A Darlington student is made up of many things. None of which is average. We help our students develop their interests, passions and pursuits, because we believe every individual has something to contribute. We also believe that only when you're 100% you, are you 100% Darlington.
Here at Darlington, every student’s path is different. We think that's a good thing.
In this #SeniorSpotlight, get to know Doris Kang, a four-year boarding student from Zhengzhou, China, who plays violin in the Orchestra.
When you think of Darlington, what three words come to mind first?
Family, warm, colorful
What house are you a member of?
Thornwood House
What are you involved in at Darlington?
I'm the house manager of Thornwood and a member of the Senior Ventures program. I’ve also played the violin in Orchestra for four years and played in the pit for the winter musical.
If you are involved in fine arts, what is your favorite activity and why?
My favorite activities are the fall play and winter musical. I was a costume crew member for “Fiddler On the Roof” my freshman year, assisting in costumes and makeup. That was my first time working in the Black Box Theatre and I felt the happiness of participating in the show, like a really big family company. Later, I acted in “The Crucible” and played as the first violin in the musical “Shrek” during my sophomore year. I really enjoy working with Ms. Daniel, Mrs. Tunnell and Mr. Harvey. Even though Tech Week is hard work, I enjoy the abundance brought to me by this activity. We divide the labor and cooperate with each other, and everyone tries their best to do his or her job well. I gained friendships and improved skills as well as the ability to manage my time properly and overcome challenges.
What's your favorite place on campus and why?
My favorite place on campus is the McCallie-Kennedy Library. Unlike other libraries I have been to, Darlington's library is both quiet and lively. During the day, the library is packed with people sitting in every corner. It’s a lively atmosphere, which is not too noisy but instead makes me feel like I’m accompanied by a whole family (which makes school not become boring). In the library after school, especially during the evening study hall, the library will become extremely quiet. People have their own studies to finish and everyone studies quietly without disturbing each other.
Who's your favorite teacher and why?
My favorite teachers are Mrs.Luitwieler, Mr. Luitwieler and Mrs.Inman. Mrs. Luiwieler was my freshman advisor, who gave me a lot of help and encouragement when I first came to the house not knowing anything. Mr. Luitwieler was my math and statistics teacher. I like his teaching style very much. He let me develop a good habit of preparing in advance, reviewing in time and practicing more. He is also very humorous and often makes jokes on me. But when I have problems, he is always there to help me. Mrs. Inman is my senior advisor. She really helped me a lot in the college application season. When choosing schools and majors, she gave me very useful advice based on her own experience and my background. She patiently helped me with my college essay and checked whether my information was correct before submitting the application. Every time I came to her with a problem, she would help me, even in her spare time. Other than that, she treats us like her own children. As the pandemic got worse and knowing that we had not received booster shots, she immediately contacted a local medical center and drove us to get vaccinated. I felt like it was my own mother that day I saw Mrs. Inman waiting for us in the rest area.
What's your favorite thing about Darlington?
What I like most about Darlington is all the staff. The teachers at Darlington are always so warm and patient that they treat you equally and fairly no matter what your grades are, no matter where you come from. The dormitory teachers at Darlington treat us as if we are their own children, making the boarding students feel at home even far away from home.
Describe an experience that you've had at Darlington that you couldn't have had anywhere else.
The Senior Retreat was an extraordinary experience for me. I not only exercised my will, but also made contact with classmates I didn't know well. I did not dare to cross the high rope at first, but with the encouragement and help of my teachers and classmates, I bravely walked up. On the way across the rope, I was very afraid, but the person in front of me encouraged me very patiently and gave me help even though we hadn’t talked a lot at school. Finally I succeeded. And after this challenge, I quickly became strong in my heart. It is a challenge to break through myself.
What are some of the ways you've grown since you first came to Darlington?
I learned to ask for help. After coming to Darlington, I learned to use Office Hours intelligently, which helped me a lot in my studies. At the same time, I have the ability to think and ask questions.
Where do you want to go to college and what is your dream job?
I got into NYU Early Decision!
Click here to see more #SeniorSpotlights from the Class of 2022!
Find out how you can be 100% Darlington, too, by requesting a personal campus tour at www.darlingtonschool.org/visit or contacting admission@darlingtonschool.org.
