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Graduate Stories | Class of 2024 Graduate: Toyin Cheung

Jul 12,2024


不期而会

犹遇故知


宋庆龄学校国际部

2024届毕业生 张陶然

录

取

院

校





悉尼大学

The University of sydney

香港城市大学

City University of Hong Kong



01

A Transfer Student from Beijing 

Before coming to SCLSID, I had spent 11 years in Beijing. As a native Beijinger, my previous school brought me many memories: the time spent studying with classmates, training with the soccer team, and playing with familiar friends. I was very reluctant to leave the city where I had lived since my childhood.

童年  ●

When I arrived in Shanghai as a transfer student, I was filled with curiosity and high expectations for Shanghai Soong Ching Ling School. Beneath the surface-level excitement, however, hid many anxieties and worries. I was afraid that the students of the school in Shanghai would only speak the local dialect, the curriculum would be too complex, and that my introverted nature would make it difficult for me to survive in a new environment.

I felt uneasy and anxious as I walked through the school gate. When I entered my homeroom classroom, I even thought I had entered the wrong class. As I looked at the big and tall classmates standing in the room, I trembled and took a step back, almost trying to escape through the door. It wasn't until I confirmed that I hadn't entered the wrong classroom and that these "giants" were indeed my classmates that I cautiously walked to my seat and sat down in a flustered manner.

I still remember the moment when my desk mate paused for a moment, making me think to myself, "Am I overstepping boundaries? Is it impolite to just sit down like this?"


The feelings of unease and concern were quickly dispelled by the warmth of my classmates. They approached me enthusiastically, welcoming the unfamiliar transfer student. My classmates were friendly and caring, they would initiate conversations with me and help me integrate into the new environment. Their kindness and acceptance made me feel incredibly warm and helped me make new friends at Soong Ching Ling School.



02

Warm Memories from Shanghai Soong Ching Ling School

Shanghai Soong Ching Ling School provided me with high-quality educational resources and expanded my horizons and ways of thinking about the world. Here, knowledge from textbooks was no longer words that were forcefully stamped in my mind; instead, teachers influenced me to feel motivated by providing both theoretical lessons and practical activities. I learned not only knowledge, but also developed comprehensive skills such as critical thinking, leadership abilities, independent thinking, and teamwork.

During my learning journey at SCLSID, I encountered many remarkable teachers. I want to express special gratitude to my 8th-grade homeroom teacher, Mr. Beattie. Although he has long since left SCLSID, tears well up in my eyes every time I rewind the memories with him. Mr. Beattie was a patient educator who cared deeply for his students.

 Whenever I felt down, he would help me recover. I still remember him often saying to me, "All you need is confidence, Taotao." If I ever doubted myself, those words would resurface in my mind, and I still deeply cherish his warm support. In just a few words, he gave me limitless self-assurance and courage, allowing me to confidently express myself in the crowd and on the stage.

Furthermore, I want to give special thanks to my math teacher, Mr. Lin. I greatly admire his expertise in the field of mathematics. In class, he would repeatedly ask if students understood the lesson and provide responses to questions, demonstrating his care for students. Mr. Lin had the ability to simplify and help us digest complex teaching concepts, making it easier for me to absorb.

Under his guidance, my interest in mathematics grew continuously, and I began to enjoy the pleasure of problem-solving and exploring the field. Not only that, but outside of the professional and engaging classroom teaching, Mr. Lin also cared for students as individuals. When I had a fever, Mr. Lin would inquire about my health. His words to "Stay Strong" were not just comforting, but also gave me strength.




03

Turning the Pages of My Life

At the moment of waving goodbye, my heart is filled with gratitude and lingering attachment. I am thankful to Soong Ching Ling School for providing me with fertile soil, allowing me to deepen my roots and grow stronger branches. I appreciate the professionalism and warmth of the teachers, and the deep companionship and support from my classmates. The future belongs to the unknown, and although there are still uncertainties, I am filled with anticipation and confidence. I believe I have enough courage to embrace and welcome everything that the future holds.




Authors 撰稿：Toyin Cheung 张陶然

Sponsor Teachers指导老师：张琦菲，Mr. Josh Yager




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