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From the moment Jin Gang stepped into the halls of Dalian American International School as a three-year-old student, his journey has been one of growth, discovery, and passion. Over the years, DAIS became more than just a school - it became a second home, nurturing his talents and shaping his identity. Now, as a recent graduate with a clear vision for the future, Jin Gang reflects on the experiences and mentors that guided him toward a career in music, his decision to pursue studies at the University of Southern California, and the lessons he hopes to pass on to fellow students navigating their own paths.
The year I came to DAIS was 2009, I was just three years old, studying in Montessori. I vaguely remember the school being much smaller than it is now and everyone from preschool to high school all being in the same building.
2011, DAIS Pre-Kindergarten
Little by little, I grew up in this school. Every teacher from DAIS is like a parent to me. Growing up from three years old to now being 18, I have been through so much in this school. As I grew, the school grew. Dalian American International School is where I call home.
My mom is a music teacher, so I was surrounded by music my whole life, but I have never thought of having a music career, I took it rather as a hobby, playing different instruments, and jamming with my friends.
Jin Gang (right) with friends during a concert
In elementary school, I met someone who changed my life, Ms. Rodica. She was my elementary music teacher, and was the one that gave me chances to not only sing in the choir but to also play piano accompaniment in front of the whole elementary school. Before she left, she called me out from class, which at that time I thought I was in trouble, and said, “I see you are a true musician.” And that freeze stuck with me until now.
Throughout middle school and high school, I was always in the school music programs. And during the most important years of my life, when I was making sure my major, Ms. Terry helped me a lot from choosing my career to giving me chances to pursue my major, I was given chances to conduct, arrange and distribute parts to different classmates, making me somewhat of a “concert manager”. If it weren’t for them, I would never be who I am today.
Jin Gang as a choir conductor
DAIS is a school full of chances, no matter if you’re in a STEM major, business major, music major, etc.
University of Southern California has always been one of my dream schools and has been the only school that I have visited twice - after 10th grade and 11th grade - despite visiting more than 20 other universities. The Los Angeles climate with the classical architecture of USC made me fall in love with the school at first sight.
Located near Hollywood, the University of Southern California provides great connection and networking as a musician serving as a central hub of music. The USC alumni network and the Thornton School of Music are famous around the world and provide the best fit for me.
As a student, I was never someone who had the best grades, I did not have a 4.0 GPA, and I didn’t even take the SAT. It is pretty unbelievable for someone like me to still be accepted into such an amazing school.
MUN Conference
Below are some tips that I would recommend for younger students to keep in mind before applying:
ACAMIS Basketball
Jin Gang (2nd on the right) with friends
As Jin Gang steps into the next chapter at USC, he carries with him the spirit of DAIS - a school that nurtures dreams, celebrates individuality, and empowers every student to discover their path. We wish him continued growth, unforgettable experiences, and success in every note he plays and every step he takes!
Text: Jin Gang Lin
Editor: Svetlana Ulyakhina
