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Hi guys! This is Susan Li! If you have checked out our school’s StuGov official channel and articles before, you would have probably recognized me. Honestly, it hasn’t been an easy 5-year journey, and I did encounter various challenges that initially offset me but eventually helped me grow. That is why I am very excited to share some of my thoughts about my high school experience at DAIS/Huamei and offer some valuable advice.
My story with DHS started when I was in G8 as I was transferred from a traditional Chinese middle school. Indeed, the lack of prior English speaking and writing experiences truly stressed me out in the beginning of the school year, especially I was both timid and unwilling to speak English in public. However, the warm community here helped me discover my belonging here, which is why I gradually became more and more confident in sharing my unique voices.
Susan (right) and Suah, founders of the HOSA chapter in Dalian
I would say this is also my message for my fellow DHS students: I know language barrier can be painful sometimes, but we all start from zero. That is why you should always be confident in yourself that you can do it. Practice more, speak more, and do not be afraid of making mistakes.
I believe the most valuable lesson that I acquired from my high school journey is that your life is in your own hands, so you should always seek opportunities for yourself.
Everything was traced back to my G10 in which I took the AP Psychology course. At that time, the terminologies deeply intrigued me as I could easily relate them to my own life. Through getting to know more about the class, I gradually confirmed my mind of pursuing psychology as my major in university. However, I was somehow uncertain about what I should do to further enrich my knowledge in this field of science, therefore I asked my AP Psychology teacher Mr. Troutman. He strongly suggested me to reach out to university professors for research opportunities.
Susan (left) with Mr. Troutman
With his help and advice, I reached out to multiple professors from various prestigious universities and eventually two of them responded and were willing to conduct research with me and participating in my academic interviews with them. I am not only thankful for how much Mr. Troutman has done for me in my psychology-learning journey, but I also feel grateful for my courage and initiative to proactively seek connections with university professors as a high school student.
HOSA - Future Health Professionals event
Other than academics, I also sought multiple opportunities for my extracurricular activities to optimize our community. For example, as I recognized that our school did not have any prior organizations related to family relationships and communications, I was courageous to initiate the first-ever organization called Family Bridges to close such a communication gap.
Family Bridges event
Moreover, after knowing that our school did not host blood donation events before, I also co-organized the first ever DAIS on-campus blood drive that could potentially save 50+ adults and more children.
DAIS students and parents donating blood
Some of you may think it was an easy process to establish organizations and host events because I just needed to sign some paperwork. BIG NO NO! I have to say the process of being the initiator of something new is VERY DIFFICULT, especially when I faced criticisms and questionings along the way. Many people doubted my ability to successfully be a leader, but I realized that my life is in my own hands, and I should not be discouraged by those external voices.
Huamei Leadership Award 2024
Thus, you should never be afraid to be the change maker because the chance of making the community, or even the world around you a better place, is in your own hands. Also, I want to emphasize that you only live once, so never be afraid to take the first step!
My Advice
BE PASSIONATE!!! This is my first and the most important advice for you which is to always be passionate about the things you are pursuing. Do not establish an organization, join a club, or play a type of sport just because you want to fulfill a checkbox in your college application. Your life is never confined simply by the “required activity” sections in your college app, so make sure that you are truly enthusiastic about the thing(s) that you are doing, and I believe this will also help you initiate more meaningful events to truly contribute to our community.
ACAMIS Volleyball 2024 (Susan is 6th from the right)
I know this advice may sound a bit cliché, but it is so important for you to live a “life”. Do not always “run” too hard because there are many times in life when you should really take a break and look at the beautiful scenery around you. Do not always put so much physical and mental burden on yourself. Basically, I would say before you want to pursue your goals, learn how to enjoy your life first.
“Rejection is a redirection.” I know the process of handling a rejection letter, especially the one from your dream school, can be difficult. I experienced the exact same process just a few months ago. BUT WHO KNOWS ABOUT THE FUTURE ISN’T IT? Maybe you will acquire a more fulfilling experience at another university. Therefore, do not devaluate yourself just because of some rejection letters especially your efforts will eventually get paid off. Anyways, best wishes of luck in your college applications next year!
“Your success will be determined by your own confidence and fortitude.”
– Michelle Obama
Text: Susan Li
Pictures: DAIS, Susan Li
Editor: Svetlana Ulyakhina
