The Power of Persistence: Meet Nancy, DAIS Class of 2026

For Nancy, DAIS Class of 2026, success was never about taking the easiest path. Whether on stage, on the field, or throughout the university application process, her journey has been shaped by determination and a willingness to keep moving forward when challenges arose.

This fall, Nancy will attend UC Davis to study Business, with plans to pursue a minor in Musical Theater or Music. Her long-term goal is to combine her passion for the arts with business and build a career in the music industry.

Discovering a Passion for Music

Before joining DAIS, Nancy attended a public school, where she studied painting and art. After coming to DAIS, she decided to revisit her interest in performing arts through musical theater. Through musical theater and singing, she discovered a passion that continues to shape her future plans.

"Music is very important in my life," Nancy says. "It's my favorite hobby, and maybe it will become my career."

^{Nancy as Dulcinea in DAIS's 2026 production of Man of La Mancha.}

Throughout high school, Nancy appeared in musical theater productions and took on leading roles, further developing her interest in the performing arts. Those experiences helped shape her future aspirations and inspired her to explore opportunities in the music industry.

Learning the Value of Persistence

While music became a major focus, Nancy also remained committed to athletics.

Her experience with school sports taught her one of the most valuable lessons of her high school years: persistence. Nancy began trying out for basketball in Grade 9 but was not selected. Rather than giving up, she continued pursuing her goal throughout high school. Her determination eventually paid off when she earned places on both the basketball and soccer teams in Grade 12.

^{Nancy (in the middle) with the basketball coaches}

The experience showed her that success does not always happen immediately. Sometimes achieving a goal requires patience, effort, and the willingness to keep trying, even after setbacks.

Preparing for the Next Chapter

That same mindset helped Nancy navigate the university application process.

Unlike some students who work with outside consultants, Nancy completed her applications with support from the DAIS Counseling Team. She credits Mr. Gould and Ms. Queenie with helping her explore university and major options, refine her application materials, and navigate the many decisions involved in the admissions process.

"The counselors helped me a lot," Nancy says.

Looking back, Nancy describes the university application season as one of the most challenging periods of high school. Managing deadlines, preparing documents, and waiting for decisions required resilience and emotional balance.

For students who will begin their own university applications next year, Nancy offers honest advice: "The application process is a very difficult process. You have to keep your mind steady," she says. "There may be times when you break down, but you have to treat it normally. Don't let one university rejection define you."

As Nancy prepares to begin her next chapter at UC Davis, her story is a reminder that meaningful achievements often require perseverance. From musical theater and athletics to university admissions, her experience demonstrates the power of continuing to work toward a goal, even when success does not come right away.

As Nancy prepares to begin her next chapter at UC Davis, she carries with her a lesson learned through years of auditions, tryouts, and applications: don't give up when things don't happen right away. Whether pursuing a place on a team, a role on stage, or admission to university, her experience shows that persistence can make all the difference.