Written by: By Janelle Garrett (Lower Secondary Coordinator) and Kevin ’21
Teachers and peers often describe Kevin ’21 as a young “jedi master” because he wields incredible self-discipline, seems wise beyond his years, and is able to powerfully connect his ideas about the world and harness his creative energies incorporating knowledge to produce incredible music and inspire himself and others to explore, do, and create more. Last month, Kevin accepted an offer to study at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts with a 50% scholarship! Looking at Kevin today, confident and eloquent, ready to face the world, excited about university offers and new opportunities opening for him, it is hard to believe that when Kevin ’21 joined YCIS Pudong in Year 6, as a young “Padawan (jedi-in-training)” he was “shy and self-conscious” because he could barely speak English. Ultimately, Kevin credits his transformation to his insatiable intellectual curiosity and how YCIS fostered his inquiring mind, giving him space to ask questions and opportunities to try new things, while supportive teachers nurtured his talents and pushed him to explore different ideas, connect, and create.
When you find something you love, really go for it!
I always loved music and everything about it. Music defines me. YCIS gave me so many different chances to develop my interests as well—in Music classes and through a wide range of performance opportunities. I played as a soloist in so many recitals, I played in orchestras like Sinfonia, Stage and Show Band, jazz quartets, musical theatre production bands, rock bands. I explored and learned to play different instruments. I composed music and wrote arrangements of different compositions. I recorded and learned about sound engineering in our music studio and worked on post-production. I also was able to study music as a serious academic discipline through our IGCSE and IB Music classes.
Doggedly pursue your passion.
Like many of my peers, I started looking at universities from several years ago, but because I knew music was my passion, I was very focused in my search. Berklee College of Music was my top choice. Although offers received from other schools, like Royal College of Music in the UK, were tempting, ultimately the collective creative energy of the music scene in Boston and the incredible talent of its professors and students made me quite excited to accept the generous Berklee offer.
Extend your learning network: Summer Programmes
For me, the extended break in summer provided the time to travel, meet new people, and extend my learning beyond YCIS and Shanghai, nurturing my creativity in various summer programmes hosted by world-class universities. I studied classical piano performance at Julliard’s summer programme in Geneva, Switzerland, developing my techniques and expressiveness of performance. The professors did Master classes and individual lessons and there were so many chances to connect, play, get feedback and improve our performance. My summer at Stanford University’s Jazz Workshop studying jazz guitar was transformative and was a big influence on my interests and future study goals at university. At Stanford, great teachers pushed me to think in news ways about music theory and provided valuable feedback on my playing. These programmes also provided amazing opportunities to just meet other musicians (professors and peers alike) I’m able to keep in touch with on social media.
Extend your learning network: YCIS Job Shadow
YCIS is rather unique in Shanghai with its Year 11 Job Shadow Programme—allowing all students to pursue short internships and gain insights into the world of work in different industries. I had the amazing opportunity to work at Shanghai Disneyland doing recording and sound engineering, helping with show production. Although I was committed to pursuing music professionally, I hadn’t really thought that much about different career paths. This experience gave me a glimpse into areas of what is possible.
It’s cool to specialize, but don’t underestimate the power of a holistic education.
With my strong focus on Music, I’m attuned to the benefits to specializing. However, I’m also a major proponent of the power of a holistic education and that is why I’ve really loved my time at YCIS—especially the IB Diploma Programme. Having a well-rounded study at this stage is so beneficial, proving essential skills in English, Math, Science, and Theory of Knowledge connecting it all—writing, speaking, critical thinking, research skills, these aren’t just necessary for university, they are needed for life no matter what you end up doing. This is what makes you a lifelong learner. I also like that the IB is a combination of exam and course work–both matter because life is not a one-time test! Course work is great because it shows that what you do every day matters and it shows that IB cares about your progression and your own learning journey throughout and not just the end goal. The CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) requirements of IB, with its focus on reflection also fosters important and valuable life habits. We learn so much beyond the classroom, through our involvement in different hobbies, CCAs and service learning. These also make life so much more meaningful.
Community matters and relationships matter. I am so grateful for the friends I’ve made and teachers that have taught me over the past 7 years at YCIS, the welcoming environment and strong community here. I have learned so much from each relationship—they’ve made me who I am today and made my school life so much richer and more fun.
Make time for what you love. It makes the journey worthwhile and much more enjoyable.
Whether it is an idea or interest, an experience that brings you joy, or a relationship that matters—these don’t just happen. Be deliberate and spend time at what matters.