John Yan to Study Physics at Oxford University
John Yan Graduate of Class 2018, DHSZ received an offer from Oxford University and will study Physics.
“I never ever thought of going to Oxford. I just wanted to study Physics.”
Any secret to get into Oxford University? Definitely no, answered John. For him, he doesn’t care which university he will study in. He just wants to study Physics. “The things that really matter are knowledge and passion, not academic results. The most satisfying fact for him learning physics is that a few elegant equations can explain the complexity of physical phenomenon. Physics lights up his curiosity.
In his view, the desire to know about the world distinguishes humans from animals, and physics provides a perfect pathway to it. He has no desire to find an easy job or earn much money, the only motivation that is driving him is the curiosity to know how the universe works.
John has a gift for learning Physics. He always aces it in science. Even immediately after Physics teachers give lectures in class, John can fully understand all the knowledge. He took part in the British Physics Olympiad and achieved gold in UKMT. Many of his classmates often come to him for help with their science and maths questions. He found that his understanding deepens by helping them and that it is great fun making physics understandable by more people. Documentaries and videos about science are John’s favourite. He is also doing two extended projects. One is about rotational mechanics, with the ideas derived from daily life. When John was sitting on a chair that spins, he found that he controlled his speed by stretching out his limbs. That really shocked him and he immediately started researching rotational mechanics. What’s really inspiring is that the laws of physics which enable him to spin on a chair, and those governing the rotation of the Milky Way are the same. The other is about Hydrogen and its role in the future energy field.
Like most physicists, John wants to make an effort to help humanity get closer to the “Theory of Everything”, and step further into the stars. Even if his contribution makes little difference, he would still be satisfied just to learn physics, and take a glance at the underlying elements that determine life, the universe, and everything.
Besides Physics, John is also interested in Philosophy and has a unique world view: "Try everything and you will know your passion.” "Don't think what you will be or will do in your 50s or 60s. Put all your effort to your passion at present." In the first year of high school, John took part in nearly all of the co curricula activities available. He always asked himself whether he loved an activity or not and whether he would be fed up with it if he had to do it all lifelong. Using this method, John was able to find what he was passionate about while remaining loyal to himself and his personal philosophy.
