Ching Ching Zhao is a senior boarding student in Thornwood House from Beijing, China. She has been at Darlington since the beginning of her junior year and is an Admission Tiger Expert, a servant leadership liaison, and a member of the Darlington Diamonds dance team, among other involvements.
Why did you come to Darlington?
I came to Darlington simply because Darlington is a boarding/college-preparatory school with strong academic curriculum. Although I never got to visit Darlington before I was enrolled, the pictures, blogs, and news from the school website about Darlington’s beautiful campus impressed me very much.
What is your favorite part about being at Darlington?
Opportunities. Darlington offers a variety of opportunities for its students: academically, athletically, in fine arts, through cultivation of character and leadership. Darlington educates well-rounded students–I am glad that I had chosen Darlington. If one has an open mind to Darlington’s culture, one can guarantee a significant growth before they graduate.
What is your favorite thing on campus and why?
I love the Servant Leadership Program. Giving back to the community around me has been my passion for years; however, sometimes it’s just hard to find the ones in need and reach out to them. I feel so fortunate that Darlington offers daily trips to serve in the community. In addition, to be able to be on the Servant Leadership Team gives me a chance to share my voice–serving is something that comes out of our hearts, it is not just an “hours requirement.”
What is your best advice for incoming students?
The quickest way for you to be engaged in this Community is to step out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself in all aspects. New adventures bring new discoveries, you never know what you can do until you try. Don’t try to do everything: Give your extracurriculars a theme. Colleges don’t want to see a laundry list of everything you do, nor do you have enough time for it all. Once when you find the activities you are most passionate for, stick with these and put efforts turning your passion into actions.
What is your favorite part about the dorm life at Darlington?
Family. Darlington brings the dorm students and staff together as a family. We celebrate each other’s birthdays, we go on house retreats together and so on. Personally as an international student, I especially love the fact that some teachers live in the dorm as well. When I feel homesick, I can enjoy an afternoon in one of their homes: play with their dogs, babysit their babies, or just make really good conversation with them, just like when I was at home.
What are three words you would use to describe Darlington?
Beautiful: With our own lake, greenery, wild animals and typical southern weather? Life is good.
Vibrant: Events, activities and opportunities are always present. Everyone is out there.
Challenging: Whether in school or at After School Activity practices, we are always challenged to do better.
What is the most important life lesson you have learned at Darlington (or life in general)?
Life is like a paper-balls battle (credits to Mrs. Fleming)! If we don’t first throw the ball out, we can’t expect someone will throw the ball back. These words apply to all aspects of life: whether to make new friends or try out for a show or apply for a leadership role.
