From Heartfelt Dreams to NYU

Jenny

Year 13 Pupil

At Wellington, I learned early that education isn’t confined to textbooks. The school’s culture of encouraging individuality and critical thinking gave me the courage to ask, “What if?” Whether it was teachers who championed my unconventional ideas or platforms like the Eric Liddell Charity Club that empowered me to act, Wellington became my launchpad. Here, I discovered that resources are only as powerful as the audacity to use them differently.

At Wellington College Tianjin, my journey to economics began with uncertainty. Like many peers, I initially gravitated toward conventional paths like STEM, believing they offered “safer” futures. But during my IGCSE years, something shifted.

Through dynamic economics classes where teachers transformed textbook theories into vivid discussions about real-world issues—from inflation debates to global trade policies—I discovered a passion I hadn’t anticipated. My counsellors encouraged me to lean into curiosity, while school resources like guest lectures by industry leaders at the Career Fair and alumni sharing of how they linked their passion to academics deepened my fascination. Soon, I was devouring news about geopolitical shifts and market trends, connecting classroom concepts to events unfolding worldwide. Wellington didn’t just teach me economics; it showed me how the subject breathes life into every headline, every policy, and every community—a revelation that turned hesitation into purpose.

As president of Wellington’s Freakonomics Club, I merged my academic rigour with a hunger for real-world solutions. The school’s investment in competition prep and access to global economic forums fuelled my team’s success: we clinched awards at the National Economics Challenges (NEC) and Wharton Investment Competition, advancing to NEC nationals with top regional scores. But beyond trophies, Wellington taught me to see economics as a tool for equity. “Data tells stories,” I’d remind my team. “Our job is to make sure those stories drive change.” This mindset—honed through debates in classrooms and late-night strategy sessions—is what I’ll carry to NYU.

My entrepreneurial itch struck unexpectedly. Inspired by Wellington’s innovation workshops and mentorship from business studies faculty, I launched a self-initiated drink brand—a venture born in my kitchen and refined through school-sponsored entrepreneurial programs for charity. When the European Chamber of Commerce in Tianjin recognised my brand and invited me to events like International Football Family Day, I realised Wellington had prepared me for more than academics; it taught me to embrace risk. “The Chamber opportunity wasn’t just luck,” I reflect. “It was proof that Wellington connects pupils to worlds beyond campus.”

My journey was anything but linear. Initially, I drowned in anxiety, scrambling to replicate every "perfect" extracurricular story I saw online—charity drives, niche competitions, you name it. But stacking activities like checkboxes left me exhausted and empty, with no real impact to show. The pressure peaked until I hit a breaking point: What if I stopped chasing trends and listened to myself? Guided by my counsellors, I paused, reflected, and rediscovered a lifelong passion; helping stray animals. Channelling my energy into building a sustainable rescue initiative reignited my purpose and taught me the power of authentic commitment, something universities like NYU truly value. We raised thousands to support animal welfare, proving that compassion can create ripples of change when paired with institutional support. Wellington’s support helped me learn that success isn’t about fitting moulds; it’s about shaping your path.

Choosing NYU felt inevitable. Its Economics program doesn’t just value interdisciplinary thinking—it thrives on it, much like Wellington’s approach to education. At NYU, I’ll explore how policy, entrepreneurship, and advocacy intersect with economics, just as I learned to weave compassion and innovation into every project at Wellington. “NYU isn’t just a school,” I explain. “It’s a community for those who believe that fields like economics can—and should—serve humanity.”