That Nicholas was a consistently high performer in several global STEM competitions should come as no surprise. But his passion for chemistry was especially palpable. "If you cannot commit more than 70 hours per week to research in the lab,” he asserts, “you may not truly be passionate about this field.” And indeed, he was eager to share this passion. He founded a chemistry club. He published a scientific journal along with his fellow pupils. During the pandemic, he organised an online STEM conference attended by fellow students from around the world. He even developed a novel penicillin-class antibiotic and was invited to speak at the UN’s Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development. 

Nicholas also proved himself to be a leader within the wider Wellington Community. His teachers selected him to serve as Head of College, a position that saw him organising charity initiatives and pupil activities like debate competitions.  

Nicholas received offers from Oxford and Caltech, two of the world’s most prestigious institutions of higher learning. He ultimately chose Oxford, where he will pursue an undergraduate and master’s degree with a prestigious Jardines Merit Scholarship. This is an honour granted to only four Oxford undergraduates every year. Suffice it to say, Oxford is lucky to have him! 

Angelina was an exemplary pupil and leader during her time at Wellington College Tianjin. As captain of the volleyball team, she had a talent for rallying her teammates when faced with the biggest challenges. She also founded the school’s Economics Club. Devoted to community service, she established a charity to help disadvantaged groups.

Her interest in economics was inspired by her father, who often discussed economic concepts with her as a child. Though her education has undergone several transitions, from the IB program to A-levels and schools in Beijing to the UK, her steadfast determination and love of volleyball have helped her overcome any challenges. “Volleyball has taught me courage and resilience, which I apply to life’s challenges,” she says.

She looks back on her time at Wellington Tianjin with fondness and gratitude. As a boarder, her teachers and fellow pupils were like a second family to her. “I could go to them anytime, she says. “Boarding taught me skills like time management, communication, and teamwork.” All of these are skills that will serve her well this fall when she starts at Johns Hopkins University.

“I really want to be in an environment where I am surrounded by music every single day,” Sophia says. And thanks to her hard work and dedication, she will be when she starts at Berklee College of Music this coming fall. During her time at Wellington, Sophia was an avid performer. She was reluctant in the beginning. But with some encouragement from her peers and teachers, Sophia soon mustered the courage to get on stage, and she quickly came to love it. 

Before long, she was wowing audiences with her performances in school musicals and choir performances. Appropriately, her final role as a Wellington performer was the lion in The Wiz, a character who learns to overcome fear and embrace the Wellington Value of Courage. 

 

 

Sophia also discovered a love for sports along the way. It was at Wellington that she learned how to play netball and cultivate the spirit of teamwork, collaboration and friendly competition. She readily admits, "If I did not go here, I do not think I would be as interested in music or sports as I am today."

Moreover, her experience at Wellington has inspired her to pass on what she has learned by pursuing a career in education. In a few years, she may even return to Wellington…as a music teacher!

Though initially nervous upon joining Wellington Tianjin three years ago, Ryan quickly adapted with the help of friendly teachers and classmates. “The transition was much smoother than expected. I made many new friends and adjusted easily to the new environment with their help,” he explains.

And in those three years, he had full support to pursue his passions, from biology to basketball to music (he has played piano for 13 years). One of his favourite Wellington memories was participating in the College’s science fair. He and his teammates spent a month researching and creating a display about cellulose. “Such activities build teamwork, concentration and provide a rewarding experience beyond the outcome,” he reflects.

Looking back on his time at Wellington, Ryan is grateful for the international community that welcomed him with open arms. “I have grown alongside pupils from around the world. I believe that these experiences will help me tackle unknown challenges with a positive attitude,” he says.

With an offer from the prestigious University College London to study biomedical sciences, Ryan's is about to embark on yet another exciting journey of growth and discovery.

Congratulations to all our 2023 Wellington College China graduates. We are confident that each and every one of you will continue to embody the Wellington Values of Courage, Kindness, Integrity, Respect and Responsibility as you move through the world. Now, get out there and accomplish great things! 

Class of 2023