Q. In what grade are you currently enrolled?

A. I’m currently in 12th grade at Emmaus High School.

Q. Please provide the first names of your family members: parents, siblings and pets.

A. My mom’s name is Yibing, my dad’s name is Shenghong and my older brother’s name is Bowen.

Q. What is your favorite subject? Why?

A. I usually prefer subjects that are more STEM-oriented, such as computer science and physics. I like these subjects more because they require problem-solving and logical thinking to find answers.

Q. Have you received any special awards or recognition?

A. I competed at the U.S. Figure Skating 2023 National Qualifying Series. I placed 12th at Eastern Sectionals and 33rd at Nationals in Junior Men. I am also a U.S. Figure Skating Moves in the Field Gold Medalist. I have also gone to the District and Regional Orchestra.

Q. Are you involved in any extracurricular activities? How has being involved in this these organizations impacted your high school experience?

A. I have been a figure skater since kindergarten. Skating definitely had its ups and downs, but I got to experience a lot of great things, like breaking long-term milestones and going to competitions. It took me a long time to land a double axel, but it was a greatly rewarding experience and taught me the importance of dedication. Having to step out onto the ice alone during competitions also helped me learn to handle pressure. I sacrificed countless hours to practice, which presented me with the challenge of juggling schoolwork and other activities. This sport has been a large part of my identity for the majority of my life and although I won’t be a figure skater for my entire life, I will remember all the hours I spent on the ice and the lessons I learned as I move on to other things. I have also played the violin since fourth grade. I have dedicated a lot of time and energy to violin as well and I love playing in the school orchestra.

Q. What do you consider your biggest challenge to date?

A. My biggest challenge to date was landing a double axel jump in figure skating. It took me a very long time to get, especially because of COVID-19, which interrupted my training. Fortunately, because of COVID-19, I also got a lot more time to focus on getting stronger and once the rink reopened I could practice much more than before. This helped me make up for the time lost and I was soon able to land a double axel.

Q. What is your next goal after high school?

A. I plan on going to college for computer science after high school. I first learned programming when I was in middle school and from the start, I liked the problem-solving aspect of programming. It’s also something I think I’m pretty good at, so I decided I wanted to learn more about the subject.

Q. Whom do you hope to emulate? Why?

A. I would like to emulate my parents. Both of my parents love to learn new things and improve themselves, even as they get older. Their love of learning is what makes them so adaptable and dependable at their jobs and I believe it’s an incredible skill.

Q. For what would you like to be remembered?

A. I would like to be remembered for my laid back energy. I always try not to be too stressed. Of course, it’s still important to try your best, but you don’t have to be the best at everything.

Q. Do you have any advice for your peers?

A. My advice is to make sure you have a few close friends who are helpful and supportive. I believe they push me to take on challenges I never would’ve done by myself. They are supportive of me when I need help with anything.