Passion Over Obligation

Ada

Year 13 Pupil

2024 Shuping Scholar

Growing up in Malaysia, I had the privilege of meeting people from all around the world. I learned English in an American school, and a year later, I realised that I had become fluent, not out of obligation, but because my passion for the language drove my learning. This passion extended beyond English to everything I pursued. I wanted to connect with others, understand different cultures, and build meaningful friendships. Passion is something that people often lose sight of when faced with pressure. When challenges arise—such as struggling to grasp a concept in class due to language barriers or feeling excluded because of a language gap—it’s easy to forget that initial spark. However, one of my strengths is rediscovering and holding onto my passion, even when faced with difficulties.

When passion drives your actions, time management becomes crucial for maintaining balance. I joined the Wellington community in Year 10, not fully aware of how much impact it would have on me. Over these four years, I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone countless times. “You only live once,” a mantra I live by, has led me to take part in numerous activities, such as joining Wellatonics, performing in musicals and Shakespeare plays, participating in super curricular competitions, starting my newspaper club, becoming concertmistress in the school orchestra and head of house in Blucher, completing an EPQ, and learning a completely new language in Year 13. Staying busy meant less time for studying and revising for exams, but I relished it. Knowing that I only had a limited amount of time on each subject helped me maintain high levels of concentration, rather than wasting time on distractions.

My growth as a pupil and as a person is reflected in how I embraced every new opportunity with zeal and a willingness to learn. Each extracurricular activity pushed me to develop new skills and find innovative ways to balance my academic responsibilities with my interests. In Wellatonics, I learned teamwork and the power of collective effort to produce harmonious music. Performing in musicals and Shakespeare plays strengthened my confidence, adaptability, and ability to convey complex emotions. Participation in super-curricular competitions honed my analytical and critical thinking skills, while starting my newspaper club fuelled my leadership abilities and deepened my commitment to effective communication. Becoming concertmistress in the school orchestra and head of house in Blucher taught me the importance of dedication, perseverance, and inspiring others. Completing an EPQ fostered my research and organisational skills, and learning a completely new language in Year 13 broadened my worldview and prepared me for my future studies. I wouldn’t have done this without the presence of opportunities given by Wellington College Tianjin.

As you might have noticed, my passions span a wide range of fields—biochemistry, music, literature, and drama. However, you may be surprised to learn that I will be studying medicine-related programs taught in German, in Germany, after I graduate this year. Biochemistry and medicine are the fields I want to major in and build my career around, driven by my fascination with the complexity of human biology and the desire to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. Some might say I’ve wasted time on pursuits that won’t directly benefit my future, especially since I only started learning German this year. But I believe life evolves faster than plans. I embrace new experiences because I am truly enjoying life and seizing every opportunity that comes my way. I thrive on exploring new interests and putting myself out there, all while keeping my future aspirations in sight.

In fact, by choosing this path, I’ve decided to forgo opportunities at prestigious UK universities like UCL and other English-taught programs in Amsterdam. Although those options are highly appealing, I know that stepping out of my comfort zone to learn German and stay with my family in Germany is what truly excites me. The decision reflects my passion for growth and exploration, and I value the opportunity to be closer to my family while embracing a new language and culture.

Sam Kean once said, “Genes are like the story, and DNA is the language that the story is written in.” Although biochemistry and medicine shape my future career, language and the beauty of English Literature have shaped the foundation of my identity and purpose. I began studying English Literature in Year 10, under the guidance of Mrs Norman and other supportive, highly qualified teachers. She has become more than just my Literature teacher—she is someone I trust deeply and with whom I can share my struggles. Writing poetry became a source of relaxation for me, as I could express my thoughts freely and creatively. There are no formulas in literature—no strict definitions of right or wrong. It is the soul's echo, a silence expressed through imaginative words, a moment captured in the most beautiful descriptions from the heart.

During the Year 12 exam season, I faced intense self-doubt and stress from external voices and pressure, resulting in a disappointing AS-Level grade in Literature. But after much reflection, I chose to retake it, driven by my passion and the need to prove to myself that I was capable. Although I have paused my Literature studies to dedicate more time to learning German for university, I do not regret this decision. Stopping does not mean my passion has faded, as I still write and publish my poems in my newspaper club. I was able to achieve satisfying AS-Level grades, strong EPQ results, and other academic successes, despite the challenges of balancing my studies with extracurricular activities and personal growth. This reinforced my confidence in my ability to persevere and thrive under pressure. The first term of Year 13 was gruelling—balancing 4 A-Level subjects, the Literature retake, EPQ, university applications, 10 hours of German lessons each week, and extracurricular activities felt overwhelming. However, I was fortunate to have incredible family and friends supporting me. To all my other friends, teachers, and people in my life, I extend my sincerest gratitude and heartfelt thanks. Through these experiences, I have learned to appreciate every moment. Even in times of difficulties, I have learned to face them with courage, one of the important values in Wellington.