Before the world shifted, the Advancement Office had planned to share senior spotlights on some of the faces of the Class of 2020 and what Darlington means to them. These students represent everything Darlington’s faculty and staff work tirelessly for - our future alumni.
There has never been a better time to feature our seniors - they deserve the spotlight as the spring they so looked forward to has shifted. This series will feature several Darlington seniors who will share their favorite things about Darlington and also how they are adjusting to this new world of distance learning.
We hope you will enjoy getting to know these seniors better and will make a gift to honor the Class of 2020, who need our support now more than ever. To make a gift to the 2019-2020 Darlington Fund please click here.
How have you met the challenge of distance learning?
It has been fairly easy for me, but the network is an issue occasionally because I don’t have vpn on all of my devices. It’s nice to be able to see and talk to my friends and teachers. Now that China has started recovering, I really hope to see the situation in the US, as well as the rest of the world, get better soon.
Where are you from?
Shenyang, China
What’s your favorite song?
"Feel" by Jacob Collier
What’s your favorite thing served in the dining hall?
Tuna steaks, lol
What house are you in and do you hold any leadership positions?
I have been in Summerbell House for 4 years and a residential house leader for 3 years. I’ve been helping with RUMPUS a lot, especially lip sync.
What all are you involved in at Darlington (clubs, etc.)
Concert choir president, Random Notes leader, Theatre, Tiger Expert, soccer, rowing (9-10), Math team Varsity co-captain, Biolympiad team coach
If you are in sports who is your favorite coach and why?
Coach Luitwieler. (I only know a couple of coaches but) he is caring, understanding, funny and easy to talk to.
If you are involved in fine arts what is your favorite role and why?
Individual performance. Apart from being in theatre and choir, I’m in a band with Nick Powell (‘20) and Elliot Luitwieler (‘22). We invite drummers like Morgan Ivester (‘19) and William Wang (‘23) to collaborate occasionally. We perform at events such as Light the Lake and places such as The Hub. We play cover songs as well as originals. It’s a unique experience to be able share my passion for music with others in a low-key, relaxing way. I especially enjoy being a band with underclassmen because I had my first Darlington performance at Light the Lake during my freshman year, under the invitation of several senior and junior Summerbell House leaders (and later, Senior Show). I love to see this passion being passed down.
What is your favorite place on campus and why?
The band room. Place to rehearse/relax. I jammed with Harris Peek (‘18) every day during office hours in the band room. It holds sentimental values.
Who is your favorite teacher and why?
Mr. McVety. I had him all four years as my choir teacher and two years as my adviser. He is passionate in what he does and really approachable. His course Men’s chorale, although consisting of only 3 students (me, William McClain ‘20, Chandler Pittman’20), was one of my favorite memories during freshman year. Mr McVety helped me grow as a musician as well as a person. I felt like I can talk to him about everything even if it’s personal.
Where do you want to go to college and what do you want to do?
I’ve been admitted to Brown, Vanderbilt, Emory, UCLA, Georgia Tech, Virginia, and a few other schools. I’ve decided to go to Brown. I may major in biology or statistics but I will also continue exploring my other passions like music and theatre.
If you could name the two new swans what would you name them?
Silver and Spring
The Darlington Fund raises $1million every year. If you were given $10,000 what program would you want to give it to and why?
For a specific program I would probably say the orchestra (or music department in general). I’d say from what I’ve observed in the past four years, there has been a not-as-sufficient influx of talents.
Another thought is to buy some equipment for the bio lab. I’m not sure about its plausibility, but I’d love for future students to have more hands-on, advanced lab experience, which will help them tremendously in college. Maybe even a full course (e.g. introduction laboratory) like most colleges offer.
We have 1,500 donors who give to Darlington every year sure you have a great experience - in 10 words or less how would you thank them?
Thank you for making this journey memorable.
What is your favorite thing about Darlington and why is that important to you?
The people. As an international student who comes from a very different background, making as many connections and memories as I have done wasn’t easy when I look back at it. Interactions with people that I’m close to as well as acquaintances contributed to my personal growth, and I’m grateful for that. Under the current situation, it’s even more difficult not having a proper graduation as I wasn't able to say goodbye to most of my friends.
