Trinity College Dublin Bound: Meet Sara Chen, DAIS/DHS Class of 2026

For DAIS/DHS Class of 2026 graduate Sara Chen, school was where she discovered her passion for musical theater, built resilience through cross country, and formed lasting friendships. This fall, she begins her next chapter at Trinity College Dublin, studying Computer Science and pursuing her dream of becoming a game designer. 

Here's her story, in her own words.

Hi everyone, I'm Sara Chen. I'm originally from Zhejiang Province, in the south of China, and I've been at DAIS for four years.

Why Ireland? Why Computer Science?

I applied to Trinity College Dublin in Ireland. Why Ireland? Simple: it offers strong programs in my field, and I was looking for a university that felt like the right fit rather than focusing solely on QS rankings. I'm not against rankings, but I've learned that "fit" matters more than "fame."

I want to study Computer Science because my dream is to become a game designer. This didn't come out of nowhere. Growing up, I spent hours not just playing games but wondering: How did they make this? Why does this level feel so satisfying? What makes a character feel real? My favorite games aren't the ones with the best graphics—they're the ones that tell a story or let me solve problems in creative ways. I still remember how the game VA-11 Hall-A touched me after I finished it. The ability to share a creator's ideas with players through code and interactive storytelling is, to me, truly romantic.

^{High school graduation}

I chose Ireland because it has a strong tech scene, a beautiful culture, and the pace of life feels right for me. But more than that, Trinity College Dublin offers a CS program that balances theory and practice—exactly what I need to turn "making silly games in my dorm" into something real.

My 4-Year Journey at DAIS

Time flies, and while four years may not seem as long as the journeys of some of my fellow graduates, this school has been where I truly grew up, not just academically, but as a person.

If you've ever walked past the music room or the theater after school, you might have seen me there. I've been in musical theater since 9th grade, when I played Oliver. This year, as a senior, I got to play Sancho in Man of La Mancha—a character that pushed me in ways I didn't expect. 

^{Man of La Mancha: Sara Chen as Sancho}

I've also been playing euphonium in the band for two years, and honestly, there's nothing quite like being inside a piece of music with other people. Our teacher and conductor, Ms. Mims, gave me the opportunity to build a deeper connection with my instrument. The euphonium might not be the most noticeable instrument in the band, but the low brass section provides an essential foundation for every piece of music.

Outside of music? Cross country. I'll be the first to admit I was never the fastest runner. In fact, I wasn't very good at it at all.  But I loved it. The feeling of pushing yourself, failing, and still showing up the next day taught me more than any A ever could. 

^{ACAMIS Cross Country}

Also, badminton, for when I just want to hit something. The ACAMIS tournament gave me some of my favorite memories of teamwork. Competing alongside my teammates and supporting one another made every moment memorable.

Boarding Life: My Second Home

I lived in the DAIS dorm. It's nice, tidy, and surprisingly warm. What I'll miss most are the teachers—friendly, helpful, and always around when you need them. But it's not just the teachers. My roommates and I have built connections over these four years. We studied together before exams, shared late-night snacks when someone's stressed, and argued about whose turn it is to take out the trash. Small things, but they add up.

^{Boarding life - holiday celebration}

I joined the Jiu Jitsu club the first year I moved into the dorm and stayed for all four years. Four years of getting thrown onto mats, learning how to fall safely, and realizing that losing a sparring match is just preparation for the next one. What kept me coming back wasn't just the sport—it was the group. Upperclassmen taught me techniques; underclassmen reminded me how it felt to be new. We sweated, laughed, and grew together.

For families considering boarding: it's a safe place to learn how to live independently before heading to college. You learn to manage your time, your space, and your relationships with people who are very different from you. You learn to do laundry before you run out of socks, to wake yourself up without someone calling your name, and to ask for help when you need it. The risk is low, but the reward is huge. These skills will carry you through college and beyond.

^{DAIS dorm}

Advice for Juniors

Three things I wish someone had told me earlier:

1. Make a plan for your future. But don't be afraid to change it. Plans give you direction, not chains.
2. Treasure your time and your friends. High school feels long until the last day, and then you realize how fast it went.
3. Don't stress too much. Balance work with rest. You're not a machine. Some of the best ideas I've had for game design came when I was running or messing around with friends.

Four years. From Zhejiang to Dalian to Dublin. I'm ready.

And to everyone still here: Keep creating, keep failing, keep showing up.

Text: Sara Chen
Editor: Svetlana Ulyakhina