Senior Emily Wang moved from China when she was in middle school. She had to learn English and overcome cultural differences and academic setbacks. She is graduating to go on to her first choice college, Cornell University.

“On my first test I got a D and I had never gotten one before,” Wang said. “It was a lot for me to handle. I went home and studied a lot and worked hard at translating from textbooks.”
Wang said she was motivated to do well for her family.

“My parents sacrificed a lot for me so I wanted to make them proud,” Wang said. “My mom was always there for me and mentally supporting me.”

Friends and teachers were a big part of her learning process as she adapted to life here.
“The struggle was less of learning and more of fitting in and making friends who have a new and different culture,” Wang said. “In the beginning it was hard because no one really knew me, and I didn’t really know how to talk to them. It pushed me to go out of my way to join clubs and make friends and talk to people I normally don’t talk to.”

AP Chemistry teacher Jeffrey Moore noticed her hard work in class.

“Her interest in doing her best sets her apart,” Moore said. “She is genuine, and I knew that if I got work from her it was going to be detailed and well-thought-out.”

Coming to America forced Wang to face challenges and learn from them.

“It definitely made me learn about myself- my strengths and weaknesses and how to make friends,” Wang said. “I learned to always be optimistic and see the brighter side of things, because there are people who are in a worse situation, so I should be happy where I am.”

Moore described Wang as sweet, intelligent and easy to work with.

“She likes to express herself well, and she’s a very systematic problem solver,” Moore said.

Senior Jenny Zhi has been a good friend of Wang’s since middle school.

“She is one of the most hardworking people I’ve met,” Zhi said. “She has avoided all the senioritis going around. She pushes me to try harder, and she’s just really fun to be around.”

Wang said that her desire to succeed has helped her rise above any nerves she might have had.

“People might judge you, but keep on proving yourself,” Wang said. “Try new things, don’t be afraid of reaching out to people because there are always people willing to help. Everyone is on different levels of their learning, so don’t compare yourself to others, because you have different backgrounds and situations. Even if it seems like others are more capable or smarter than you, always do your best.”

Wang said that she looks to her future with a sense of excitement and optimism. She applied early decision and was accepted into Cornell.

“I was very glad I made it. I did not expect it at all,” Wang said. “I wasn’t quite crying but I was really excited. I want to find out my passion and who I am as a person.”

Wang’s friends and teachers predict her continued success after high school.

“She wanted to grow, and a student like that, she will,” Moore said.