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Yo! I’m Zuri, and I'm graduating as a part of the DAIS Class of 2025. For those who don’t know me, you might have seen me running in and out the secondary building in a suit in mid-March, or you might have spotted me running on the soccer field after school. Rather than telling you a story about myself, I want to leave behind some tips and lessons that I have learned throughout my high school journey that have made me the person I am today – and hopefully you can pick up some insights from there.
Sea Dragon Sports Spectacular, MVP and Champion
People will tell you that in the university application process, activities is key. That is true, but don’t forget that, first of all, we are students, and our academic records should be prioritized over than recreation and extracurriculars (I guess they call it “extra” curriculars for a purpose). Never give up your academics for your activities. Never stop challenging yourself. I went my way to take challenging AP Science courses even though I have a social science focus, and I highly recommend considering the balance between academics and extracurriculars when pondering what to do during your free time.
Zuri, first on the right, at DAISMUN XIV
I found Nike’s famous slogan extremely fitting to describe the underlying reason of many things that I do. I decided to start projects (especially during my junior and senior year, for instance, the DAIS Soccer Media Account and the boys’ soccer documentary) because of spontaneous bursts of energy and inspiration, and I’ve personally enjoyed every minute of achieving those goals. I can tell you now that accomplishing something step by step with real effort will give you dopamine rushes – sensations of fulfillment, and those are THE best feelings ever.
Zuri (right) and Harry, both soccer team captains and DAIS Soccer media account managers
I would say, if you are hesitating to decide on a goal or plan, just go for it. Rather than weighing the pros and cons, make that step forward. As soon as you make the step, you are going to have so many paths laid down in front of you, and so many possibilities with what you are doing.
This rule pretty much applies to both academics and extracurriculars. For studying, rather than designating prolonged time frames for grinding or cramming before exams, consistently paying attention and spending time to understand the content bit by bit throughout the year is probably less stressful. The time you spare allows you to work on your extracurriculars or pursue your hobbies. And that follows the same rule as well.
Volunteering at ISF FWC 2024
Rather than trying to participate in every single competition, play every sport, or engage in every single club activity out there, be selective about the things you do, and put in the effort and passion to develop these projects and hobbies into something you can be proud of. Most of my activities are centered around the same hobbies (soccer, in this case, is my No. 1), but I was able to develop them extensively during my free time throughout my high school career. I promise you that you will enjoy working to achieve a goal, and you will build more resilience from the failures you experience.
Girls Varsity Team 2024
At the same time, it’s totally fine to take breaks and try out something new. I’ve went out my way to hanging out with friends more often. There is no reason to refrain from meeting people and engaging in different activities, just be reminded to not spontaneously bounce back and forth between them. You’re most likely going to find that you don’t have that many hours in a day to balance all those commitments.
If you don’t know where to start: take time off from social media platforms and toxic habits. Surround yourself with people with positive energy. You’ll find yourself living a healthier lifestyle.
No matter how hard you try, there’s no way that everything will go the way you want it to go. You will inevitably fail in something. You will inevitably receive a rejection letter from one of your top university choices, mess up a summative test, or lose an important soccer game. I’ve been through those moments. But, at the end of the day, things are going to work out.
ACAMIS Soccer 2025
My goal was to win ACAMIS Soccer this year, but we ended up third. I “failed” because I didn’t achieve my goal, but on the other hand, I scored the best free-kick goal in my soccer career, and I made so many memories with my best friends along the way. I was rejected and waitlisted from my Top 2 schools, but I ended up committing to my dream major, and I can’t wait to see where I’ll be ten years from now. Have faith in yourself and have faith in your dreams. Every failure is a lesson, and you are bound to grow from them and become the best version of yourself.
Nowadays they always say that “loneliness is your best friend”. Honestly speaking, there aren’t a lot of people who share the same hobbies and values as yourself, but there will always be people out there who do.
Make friends with upperclassmen. I learned a lot about college applications and important skills from my friends a year or two above me. Who knows, you might come across someone who will help you with a subject or two or use their life experiences to guide you forward.
Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, with friends
Make friends with people who you feel relaxed to stay with. In this case, I don’t mean people who can party all night long, I mean people who you can trust, people who support you, and people who inspire you to become a better person. I personally feel very lucky to have those people alongside myself, and apart from all things, I have these people to motivate me in reaching higher targets.
And now, out of everything I’ve said, have fun, and good luck!
Text and pictures: Zuri Qu
Editor: Svetlana Ulyakhina
