Environmentalist, Researcher, Musician, Athlete: Meet David Qian, DAIS/DHS Class of 2026

From choir performances and varsity sports to scientific research and community service, David's six-year journey at DAIS was defined not by chasing perfection, but by finding purpose, balance, and his own path that will take him to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where he will study Environmental Science. 

Hi everyone! This is David from the Class of 2026. 

If you've seen me around campus, chances are you've spotted me on the soccer field, in the choir room, at volleyball practice, or participating in service activities. While some students are known for consistently topping the academic rankings, my high school story wasn't defined by perfect grades. Instead, it was shaped by exploration, balance, and constant search for what truly brings meaning and fulfillment to life. 

My 6-Year Journey at DAIS 

My journey at DAIS began in Grade 7. Looking back now, it feels incredible how quickly these six years have passed. 

Of course, I cared about my studies and always tried my best, but I gradually realized that high school had much more to offer than numbers on a report card. DAIS gave me opportunities to discover different sides of myself. 

You could probably describe me as a "versatile student." I enjoyed trying new things and stepping into unfamiliar spaces, whether that meant rushing from choir rehearsals to sports practice or spending weekends participating in community service projects. 

Through all of these experiences, I wasn't trying to build the perfect résumé. I was simply trying to understand who I was. 

Finding Myself Through Different Passions 

Music became one of the first places where I found a sense of belonging. As a choir member for more than four years, I performed alongside people who shared my passion. While being recognized through AMIS twice was exciting, I value the friendships and confidence I gained even more. 

^{AMIS Honor Choir 2026}

Sports brought another important dimension to my life. As a varsity soccer and volleyball player, I learned how to handle pressure, support teammates, and persevere through setbacks. The lessons stayed with me long after the final whistle. 

^{ACAMIS Soccer}

Outside of school, competitive shooting became another meaningful pursuit. Representing my local shooting team and earning medals for both my club and the city of Dalian taught me the importance of patience, focus, and self-discipline. Success often depended not just on skill, but on maintaining composure when it mattered most. 

Another unexpected passion emerged through science. What began as a fascination with genetic engineering soon developed into a genuine interest in research, leading me to participate in the iGEM competition, where we were honored to receive a Gold Medal. More than the recognition itself, I enjoyed the quiet concentration of laboratory work: conducting experiments, analyzing data, and trying to understand what the results were telling us. 

^{Genetic engineering lab}

Sharing our work beyond the laboratory was equally meaningful. Communicating complex scientific ideas to the public reminded me that science exists to serve people and the world around us. Through this experience, my interest gradually expanded from genetic engineering to environmental science, and I realized that it was a field I wanted to pursue further in university. 

^{Halloween event run by National Honor Society}

Service also played an important role in shaping who I became. As an NHS member, I participated in volunteer activities both locally and internationally, including opportunities connected to Kazakhstan. This taught me that meaningful impact often begins with empathy, responsibility, and a willingness to help others. 

Searching for Harmony and Inner Peace 

People often ask why I chose to be involved in so many different activities. The answer is simple: I was searching for harmony. Music allowed me to express myself, sports taught me resilience and focus, research sparked my curiosity, and service cultivated empathy and gratitude. Together, these experiences showed me that success is not one-dimensional. 

High school can easily become a race defined by grades, awards, and college acceptances. While those achievements matter, I learned that everyone has a different path. For me, fulfillment came from finding balance between ambition and contentment, achievement and compassion, and exploration and reflection. Inner peace was never about slowing down but about finding joy in the path I chose. 

My Advice to Younger Students 

01. Don't limit yourself. 

Try the activity that scares you a little. Join a club you know nothing about. Audition for a performance. Sign up for a competition. You may discover a passion you never knew existed. 

02. Success has many definitions. 

Not everyone will be the valedictorian, and that's okay. Character, resilience, kindness, and curiosity are just as important as grades and awards. Find a version of success that genuinely reflects who you are. 

03. Protect your inner peace. 

Work hard, but don't lose yourself in comparison. Enjoy the journey, appreciate your friends, and make the most of the moments along the way. Some of your favorite memories will come not from trophies or certificates, but from the people you meet. 

As I leave DAIS after six unforgettable years, I feel grateful for the teachers who guided me, the teammates and friends who supported me, and the countless opportunities that helped me grow.  

And if there's one thing I hope you remember, it's this: "You don't have to become the best version of someone else. High school is about discovering the best version of yourself."

Best wishes to everyone still writing their own DAIS story. 

— David, DAIS/DHS Class of 2026