Business Offer Stories of Kelsey, Jason and Mark

Behind each offer lies a unique story of personal growth. In this issue of the ‘Behind the Offers’ series, we are delighted to interview three business students who, guided by their passion or leveraging their strengths, chose majors in mathematics and statistics, statistical science, and sports management. We see them shining in various aspects while simultaneously excelling academically. Now, let's listen to their stories about their choices, plans, and their outlook for the future.

Kelsey also considered pursuing an artistic path, but after careful consideration and a comprehensive assessment of her options, she decided the business field was more suitable for her. In making this decision, Kelsey not only considered her interests but also evaluated employment prospects, convinced that the business field offers more potential and room for development.

The MORSE at Warwick University combines subjects of Mathematics, Statistics, Economics and Business. Compared to programmes in financial engineering, financial mathematics, or applied statistics, its curriculum design is unique and requires a high level of mathematical ability from students. Jason expressed that his strong interest in mathematics and his exceptional mathematical talent that he has demonstrated since childhood have led him to achieve these outstanding offers. His strengths have provided clear guidance for his future choices.

Although Mark aspired to become a basketball player, he realised that pursuing a career as a basketball player required constant development, talent, and rigorous training, which he did not fully possess. He firmly believed that by studying sports management, he could channel his passion into a career and provide support and assistance to basketball players. To gain a deeper understanding of this field, Mark chose to go to the sports-rich US. Through professional learning, he hopes to work in major sporting events in the future. "Sports management involves market operations management, recruitment, team operations management, etc., all of which are relevant related to every athlete. In the future, I might become a basketball agent, an operations staff member, a trainer, or a nutritionist. Regardless of the specific profession, it can be closely connected to my beloved basketball career." Sports management also requires close collaboration with teams and rich practical experience, which Mark believes aligns well with his character and excellent communication skills.

To Reach A Thousand Miles, Accumulate Each Step

In addition to gaining experience on the basketball court, Mark spends his spare time watching sports events and documentaries about sports personalities. The story of Chinese basketball player Zhou Qi has been a constant inspiration for him. "His agent is an international student just like us, who started a management company through professional studies." This has also become Mark's career dream, to help Asian athletes find better career development opportunities in the US, connect them with professional teams, and assist them with team connections, contracts, and training, among other matters.

Mark told us that he chose DHSZ with this dream in mind. Living up to his expectations, he has found a wide range of development opportunities here, with teachers who listen to and support his dreams. In terms of academics, the courses Mark has chosen, such as psychology, physics, and economics, lay the foundation for his future professional development. "The mindset of athletes influences their performance in games, and knowledge of psychology is essential. Sports and human health studies and kinesiology are closely related, and studying economics has provided me with a solid foundation for future management studies."

To delve deeper into the business field, Kelsey actively participated in various related projects during high school. In John Locke Institute Essay Competition, she completed a research paper on real estate. She constantly pushed herself in competitions like the National Economics Challenge (NEC). Additionally, Kelsey attended summer school at the University of Hong Kong. "In summer school, we worked in groups to market designed products, including product design diagrams, market surveys, sales estimates, and presentations. I learned many methods for creating charts and models for data analysis during the process. I also wrote about this experience in my personal statement, and I found it very helpful." On campus, she joined Mr Richard Clancy's Economics Book Club CCA, reading extensive books on economics. "I feel that participating in these competitions or activities has broadened my knowledge and deepened my understanding of economic phenomena. It has also strengthened my interest in business."

Jason also achieved a series of notable results in competitions. He received the Gold Award in BPho, a Silver Award in the Math Kangaroo competition, and participated in multiple competitions at the UKMT. These competition experiences exposed him to broader fields of knowledge and expanded his thinking and problem-solving abilities. In DHSZ's physics and chemistry classes, faced with a constant stream of experiments, Jason approaches each one seriously. "From setting up apparatuses and recording data to analysing results, the practice opportunities have significantly improved my hands-on skills. For example, interesting experiments like the 'pendulum experiment' have allowed me to experience the charm of science and the joy of practical work."

Wherever Gold Goes, It Will Shine Brightly

Despite achieving excellent academic results, Jason still maintains a humble attitude towards learning and emphasises the importance of focusing on oneself. It is this inner determination that enables him to continuously progress in his academics and maintain a passion for knowledge. In addition to immersing himself in the sea of numbers, he also joins the school's tennis club activities, plays basketball, watches movies, and cultivates diverse abilities.

Kelsey also participates in many non-academic activities. For example, she serves as a leader in the student charity organisation called ‘Ripple’. "While in Ripple, I organised a series of activities, including sports events, Christmas charity sales, and online volunteer teaching courses." These experiences made her realise the importance of social responsibility and developed her organisational and leadership skills. In the school's annual "treasure hunt" activity, Kelsey's calm and clear organisation left a deep impression on her tutor: "I was pleasantly surprised by the outstanding leadership shown by Kelsey, who excels in her academics!"

Regarding balancing academics and extracurricular activities, Kelsey emphasises the importance of fragmented time. "I make full use of the break time. Although we have a flexible schedule, it actually only takes a minute or two to get to the classroom. The remaining break time can be used to solve a few problems or consolidate a knowledge point." It is this habit of efficiently utilising time that enables her to find a balance between academic and extracurricular activities.

On the court, in addition to being a basketball player, Mark also participates in team organisation and planning under the guidance of teachers. One friendly match with students from another school left a deep impression on him. "When we arrived at the opponent's basketball court, we found that their court's roof was leaking due to rain. When everyone hesitated whether to postpone or cancel the game, I quickly coordinated and led all the team members to our school to continue the game." It is these organisational and adaptability skills from regular training that allow him to remain calm in unexpected situations.

Support from the Counselling Team

Throughout the university application process, Kelsey actively communicated and talked with her counsellor Mr John Coffey. "The counsellor provided a lot of information about universities, including their strengths and potential opportunities, helping me make informed decisions."

Mr Coffey also provided experienced advice to Mark, "After learning about my interest in pursuing a sports management major and my desire for early practical experience, he tailored a list of suitable universities for me. Northeastern University, which offers internship programs, is one of them." Located in Boston, the city that "integrates sports into urban life," Northeastern University will be where Mark begins his journey to fulfil his dreams.

Advice for Lower School Students

Mark firmly believes that passion is the source of motivation. Only by choosing his true passion as a career can he sustainably pursue it. "When you find your passion, no matter how difficult the path or how many problems you encounter, you must persevere. Success may not be easily attainable, but if you persist, there will always be rewards."

Jason also emphasises the importance of being driven by passion. He quotes a line from a recent movie he watched: "If there's something that makes you happy, just go ahead and do it, regardless of what others say."

Kelsey advises, "I think it's important to make use of spare time in the early years of high school to engage in more activities and participate in competitions. Even if you don't know your future interests yet, the more you explore, the more likely you will gradually discover your passion."