Story of Griggs Honorary Graduate

2022-10-18From : 管理员Click : 824

Hina Liang, SHBS Honorary Graduate

Editor's Note: Hina received the offer from University of Virginia at ED stage. Among all the excellent students whose ED application targets were UVA, Hina's standardized tests scores (TOEFL, ACT and AP) are good, but particularly outstanding. What makes her stand out is her knowing and understanding of herself, as well as her enthusiasm in and dedication to helping others. Compared with test scores, SHBS values so much more on cultivating the students' ability to ask questions and encourages the students to explore themselves and the world, so that they will be truly confident before they dive into their college life on foreign lands, knowing who they are and where they are going, which will benefit their college life and beyond. Based on our experience, we know that when we focus on this essential goal of education, the students are highly likely to do well academically as well.

Note: 2022 U.S. News Ranking: #3 in Top Public Schools

; #25 in National Universities.

Like author, Like book. After reading Hina's words, you will understand why UVA favors her! Hopefully, it can also inspire you in your high school planning and college application.

Hina's Story

SHBS

December 11, 2021 was just like another Saturday.

The morning alarm hadn’t gone off yet when my door was knocked at. It was my Mom.

“You’ve got an offer!” Although my Mom just got up, her voice was clear.

I jumped off my bed and finally realized how shinny the day was.

I’ve got an offer? I just talked to friends about the presentiment of being waitlisted! Orange UVA flags were flying on the website; the letter began with “On behalf of the entire University of Virginia community, we are excited to offer you admission to the class of 2026.”; Mom was smiling; school counselors and my agent were congratulating me in the wechat group…… I’ve got an offer!

The kid who was barely able to go to school a few years ago is going to college! That kid has a chance to go to her dream school! I bet, three years ago, that kid hadn't thought she'd be where she is today.

I’m glad that three years ago, the child listened to the doctor's advice. She found her own pace, chose the AP system which is more suitable for her, and chose Hongrun Boyuan.

Start from SHBS

Compared with my previous study in public schools, I have more choices in SHBS. I can choose the courses I am interested in, make my curriculum plan for high school, and give full play to my strengths. I can finally study psychology, which I have been interested in. According to Mr. Jin’s suggestions, I completed the psychology course in grade 10 to prepare for the AP psychology course. In the 11th grade, I studied AP psychology while conducting psychology-related researches. This not only confirmed my ability to learn psychology but also helped me decide on a possible major in university.

I first became fascinated by psychology five years ago. During summer vacation, I watched a video shot by a Korean-American girl with dissociative identity disorder (DID). She introduced her five different identities, likening her body to a house in which all her identities live. Sometimes, the composed college student would pause for several seconds and then spoke like an inarticulate six-year-old boy. Sometimes, she turned into a gothic girl who might harm her own body.

I was astounded! How did a brain develop such a complex world of potential and risk? What caused the girl to have DID? How can we prevent it? How can we reduce the chance she will harm herself?

Having been a teaching assistant at a learning center since middle school, I found some kids were stunned and speechless when I gave them feedback as if their defense mechanisms sensed some deadly danger. Similarly, I have classmates who suffer from depression. I have even seen some cut their own arms.

I want to understand these behaviors as fully as possible.

At the same time, I have wondered that their parents’ influence was fundamental and lasting, because we first learn how to behave and react from our parents. Yet to what extent are mental problems planted unknowingly by parents?

I volunteered in a family education organization called Bushu, and with other volunteers, went to rural Yinchuan and Yunnan Provinces to promote the importance of family education. This helped me build practical skills and further motivated me to study in the field of education and psychology.

I started to do some research and practice using the knowledge I learned. I conducted a study about interparental conflict and its influences on children during spare time and vacations in Grade 11 and 12. I, Charlotte Li, and Jerry Qi established "Spiritual Power Station". We hung a small blackboard at the entrance of the teaching building, on which one sentence is updated every day. The content of the sentence can be roughly divided into two categories: chicken soup for the soul and advice. Chicken soup for the Soul refers to a sentence that provides energy for students. Suggestions refer to actions that students can make to maintain their mental health.

SHBS provides us with various activities. I grew from a bookworm into a person with stronger soft power. The school has provided a bigger stage for me: previously, I could only host the New Year's Party in the class; after I arrived here, I have stood in front of the whole school to host the closing ceremony of orientation, the Celebrate the New party, Art Festival, etc. The school has developed my potential: the dubbing competition made me realize my interest in dubbing. The school has provided opportunities for me to exercise my leadership: from class monitor to club president to the vice president of the Student Union; continuous challenges have made me grow to be a smarter leader. The school provides opportunities to broaden my horizon. I joined MUN to learn world news and improve my expression ability; we went to India to learn about the world's problems and see another world; we arrived in Dunhuang to enjoy local customs and explore academic mysteries. The school encouraged us to express our ideas: speech competition, debate competition, Beichen forum and the like. My critical thinking and expression skills have gradually increased. The school also supports us to express our love: Caca, Henry Huang, Jack Hua, Sean and I founded the "Furry Park"— a stray animal rescue organization. Teachers, students, and parents support us a lot. They provide us with places, opportunities for publicity, and financial support.

The school helps us a lot during college applications as well. Like a super computer, Mr. Chris could make a quick list of colleges I could visit based on my geographical and climatic preferences. He is also the one who contacts alumni to let us know more about colleges, who comforts us when we are anxious, who helps us when we have no clue about our essays... Mr. Chris, Ms. Chuman, and Ms. Olivia also organize university lectures, conduct 1-on-1 interviews, help us with filling information, remind us of deadlines, and follow up with real-time information.

Photo with Principal Bowen & Chris

I am also grateful for my parents who respect my choices; Ms. Liu and Principal Bowen, who founded the school; Eva, who led me to know the University of Virginia; teachers in the Principal's Office, the Student Office, and the Admission Office; the teachers who spread knowledge; Linda and Jenny from the library; the dorm parents; Hanxiao with admirable leadership; all the schoolmates who supported me or doubted me; my friends: Caca, Yolanda, Selina, Judy, and Lisa.

As a student of UVA says, "We are not here to be a certain kind of person, but to be the best version of ourselves." Thanks for being here, thanks for all the help, I became a better version of myself.

Introduction to UVA

In 1819, Thomas Jefferson founded the University of Virginia and inaugurated a bold experiment – a public university designed to advance human knowledge, educate leaders and cultivate an informed citizenry.

More than two centuries later, this vision is thriving. Across Grounds - and throughout the world - UVA students, faculty, staff and alumni challenge convention, break barriers and pursue the greater good.

The University is an iconic public institution of higher education, boasting nationally ranked schools and programs, diverse and distinguished faculty, a major academic medical center and proud history as a renowned research university. The community and culture of the University are enriched by active student self-governance, sustained commitment to the arts and a robust NCAA Division I Athletics program.

UVA researchers focus on intellectual and societal challenges that impact the greater good, creating new knowledge that moves the world forward. As part of this effort, the University invests in several cross-disciplinary initiatives, including the Data Science Institute, Biocomplexity Institute and Initiative, in addition to many other significant resources.

The University is a library-centered university. Its 12 libraries remain central in its mission to advance human knowledge, educate leaders and cultivate an informed citizenry since 1819.