James L: Pursuing the Canadian Dream at DHSZ
James L transferred to DHSZ in Year 12, a year filled with challenges and opportunities for him. "Catching up" and "adapting" became keywords as he navigated this transition. Yet, in this short time, he not only quickly integrated into the Dulwich community, establishing good relationships with both classmates and teachers, but also actively participated in many school activities. Remarkably, he also achieved outstanding academic success, getting accepted by nearly all the Canadian universities he had applied to. But why did he choose to only apply to Canadian universities? From being a newcomer to eventually embedding in the DHSZ community, how exactly did James's journey unfold? Let's dive into his inspiring growth story.
James L (Y13)
Computer Science or related: University of Toronto, Mcmaster University, University of Calgary, Dalhousie University, York University, Brock University, University of Guelph, Carleton University, University of Windsor, Laurentian University, Queen's University, Acadia University, Algoma University, University of Prince Edward Island
Computer Science and Co-op: Shaping the Canadian Dream
James is the only student in the class of 2024 who exclusively applied to Canadian universities. His decision was particularly driven by the appeal of the Canadian education system's Co-op program:- an initiative that integrates classroom learning with practical work experience. The Co-op program at the University of Guelph was especially appealing to him due to its diverse offerings and the co-op’s early integration with the courses. As he explained, "The Co-op at the University of Guelph allows students to start an 8-month internship as early as their second year, with alternating periods of study and work thereafter. Additionally, it shares Co-op resources with the University of Waterloo, providing even broader internship opportunities." This practical learning model, to James, offers invaluable work experience and the chance to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world work environments, facilitating a seamless transition from academia to the professional realm.
As for his choice to major in Computer Science, James mentioned the appeal of a variety of job opportunities in this industry as well as the significant influence of his family. His father works in a computer-related field, and “since I was young, my dad often discussed the latest developments and technologies in this field with me. I gradually became interested in tech products like Apple.” This subtle and continuous exposure sparked a strong interest in Computer Science, solidifying his determination to pursue a career in this field.
A New Journey at Dulwich
As a transfer student, James’s start at DHSZ was not without its challenges. However, the steadfast support from teachers and students alike helped him quickly adapt to the new learning environment. James recalled needing to catch up on courses like Mathematics and Computer Science in a short period. With the guidance of his teachers, he managed to complete all the required courses and pass the exams within just three months. He is particularly grateful to his Computer Science teacher, Ms Diane Anthony. "When I first arrived, the Computer Science course here was almost finished, while I hadn't completed it at my previous school. Ms Anthony used her lunch breaks to tutor me with specialised exercises, helping me catch up and pointing out areas I needed to correct." This meticulous assistance allowed James to easily keep up with the rapid pace of learning.
The enthusiasm of his classmates also played a vital role in helping James quickly become part of the Dulwich family. Besides supporting him academically, they also encouraged him to explore various school activities like the Color Run and fashion shows. These experiences quickly immersed him in the joyful atmosphere of the school. Participating in competitions and earning honors also gave him a sense of belonging and pride. "Many of my classmates were on the school volleyball team, and they encouraged me to join. I started practicing from scratch and soon became a starting player in Suzhou's high school competition, helping the team win first place. It was thrilling."
Dulwich's diverse co-curricular activities (CCAs) provided the athletically inclined James with ample opportunities to thrive. Whether it was badminton, basketball, table tennis, or football, he could always find a spot, which served as a great way to relax amid his rigorous studies. Additionally, he found more platforms to showcase his talents by joining the school band as a guitarist, performing at events like Founder’s Day, and participating in the LeetCode programming CCA led by Mr Amin Teymorian, where he developed his skills in algorithms, data structures, and system design.
The experiences at DHSZ cultivated James's ability to learn independently and adapt quickly. He reflected, "Although transferring brought significant environmental changes, I think I adapted quite well. Dulwich's teaching method emphasises independent learning, which was one of the reasons I chose this school. Teachers won't constantly push you to complete your assignments or tasks. You have to take the initiative to ask questions and find solutions on your own." These skills have greatly benefited James in both his studies and life.
Support from the Counsellor
Despite the overwhelming experience of transferring and immediately starting university applications, James received crucial support from his counsellor, Mr Mark Coyle. From filtering university lists to preparing the application materials, Mr Coyle was there to guide James throughout the entire process, ensuring efficiency and success.
James told us that, "What impressed me most was that, during my first week at DHSZ, Mr Coyle had already prepared all the application systems for me, making me feel very cared for." Encouraged by Mr Coyle, James confidently applied to universities he initially felt unsure about and successfully received offers.
James's Advice for Lower School Students
At the school open day, a student once asked me how to choose a major when he didn't have any ideas. I told him it's quite normal and not necessarily a bad thing. I was lucky to decide on Computer Science from a young age, but if you don't have a goal yet, don't worry. Try out the various activities and options courses offered by the school to gradually discover what you love. Also, talk to teachers, parents, or classmates and listen to their suggestions. Sometimes, through these conversations, you might suddenly realise your preferences and talents, guiding you to pursue that direction.
