Alumni Voices | Jessica and her father’s fond reflection

Jessica: I attended a private bilingual school in Shanghai when I learned about Wellington’s Scholarship Programme. It made me curious. I wanted to learn more about the College, and I shared this idea with my parents.

Kevin: Frankly speaking, I was worried at first about the idea of Jessica transferring to Wellington just before finishing high school. Adapting to a new environment can be disruptive. But she is confident, and I was eventually convinced that was fully prepared to make this move. I believe that a parent’s support and trust are key to a child’s success. So, I encouraged her to take the lead in this endeavour. I only offered my advice and opinions.

Jessica on campus on rare snowy day in Shanghai

Jessica: I started learning more about Wellington. I followed its official WeChat account. I read the website. I visited the campus.  The spacious grounds, British-style architecture, advanced arts and sports facilities and the various co-curricular activities on campus really left an impression on me. Then, I was fortunate enough to get the scholarship, which not only saved us tuition money but was also a big point of pride.

Jesscia active in the community

Kevin: A pupil who wants to attend a school like Wellington must really stand out and not just academically. Wellington Scholars are expected to be a positive influence on their fellow pupils and have an impact on the school community. Jessica is not an all-around straight-A pupil, but it is not just about grades. She is actively involved in social welfare activities. She exhibits leadership and responsibility. I think these qualities went a long way for Jessica in the selection process. Taking the initiative to apply for this scholarship was also a great experience for her. It prepared her for the university application process.

Jessica: Before transferring to Wellington, I had always heard about how Wellington placed a high value on Kindness and Respect. I noticed it immediately when I started at the school. It was so easy to make friends with people in different year groups as well, thanks to Wellington’s house system.

 

 

The first thing I noticed was how tightly knit the community was. The teachers were friendly and accessible to pupils. I felt warmly welcomed by both teachers and friends. The teachers were so helpful too. For example, I got my first internship through a teacher's referral. I also received a lot of support from my teachers when it came to university applications, especially for UK universities. They recommended the right universities based on my estimated exam scores and gave me a lot of great advice and help with my personal statement.

Years after graduating from Wellington, I remain in touch with alumni, and I attended the annual alumni gathering in Shanghai last year.

Jessica playing football for Wellington

Kevin: When choosing a school for my daughter, what I cared about most was that it suited Jessica’s personality. This was more important to me than rankings or popularity. After Jessica transferred to Wellington, her personal growth and development were obvious. She became more independent, confident and responsible.  

Jessica: At Wellington, pupils are given all kinds of opportunities to develop their potential. I was encouraged by my teachers to act in a Shakespeare play. I was reluctant. I did not think I could do it, but because of their support and encouragement, I bravely stepped out of my comfort zone and performed on stage with confidence.

Pupils have the space to give full play to their talents and skills. For instance, I successfully planned and organized Wellington’s first TEDx event. It took just under three months, from planning to execution. This project kindled my interest in marketing and event planning. It was a big part of why I chose the university and career path that I did.

The time management skills I developed at Wellington have benefited me a lot as well. I was studying for my undergraduate degree when COVID-19 broke out. I was able to balance my online coursework while doing an internship. The things I learned at Wellington helped me to make better use of my limited time.  

Kevin: When she first transferred, Jessica only played smaller parts on stage. Before long, she was taking lead roles. She took on leadership positions like head of house. She organised the school’s first TEDx event, and she even delivered a speech at her graduation ceremony. After receiving her university offer, she continued to volunteer her time for Harvard Model United Nations.  She did all this because it sincerely interested her, not because she thought it would look good on a university application. She was well equipped for success at university and in her career.