For Zenith Han, the journey to Darlington began before her first day of classes. Arriving from China in July 2015 to participate in Darlington’s ESL summer camp, Zenith stepped onto campus as a 14-year-old navigating a new country, culture, and language. What she found was not just a school, but a community that would quickly become home.
“That experience filled me with excitement for the year ahead,” said Zenith. “It gave me confidence before classes even began.”
As a boarding student in Cooper House and, later, Thornwood House, Zenith immersed herself in the residential life that defines the Darlington experience. Living in the dorms introduced her to a global network of peers, with friendships spanning from Finland to Saudi Arabia. For an international student, those early connections were formative. Zenith speaks with deep appreciation for the dorm parents and faculty who supported her transition. From everyday care to unexpected moments, such as helping her navigate doctor visits or even taking her to the DMV to get her driver’s license, it was the small acts of care that left a lasting impact.
Her Darlington experience was rich with tradition and community. From celebrating birthdays with her dormmates to participating in RUMPUS, Zenith found joy in the collective spirit of campus life.
“RUMPUS was incredible. Everyone came together to support their house and find ways to contribute,” she said. “Even when I was challenged to drink a two-liter soda during Fear Factor, it was all so much fun.”
Among her most cherished memories are her experiences singing with the Concert Choir, particularly the Lessons & Carols service and the Lighting of the Christmas Tree by the lake.
In the classroom and beyond, Zenith discovered her passion for engineering through her involvement with the DarBots robotics team. A four-year member, she credits the program and mentorship from faculty, particularly Owen Kinney, head of the science department, with shaping her academic and professional trajectory.
“I was obsessed with the sticker machine in the maker space as a freshman, and that really sparked my interest in Darbots and engineering," she said. “It was challenging, but Mr. Kinney encouraged me to keep going. Without that support, I could have easily given up.”
Through DarBots, Zenith gained hands-on experience in CAD design, programming, and mechanical engineering. Early mornings traveling to competitions, often fueled by McDonald’s breakfasts at 6:00 a.m., became defining team-building moments. She also experienced the strength of the Darlington alumni network firsthand when Zhou Fang (’14) showed up to support the team during a competition.
After graduating in 2019, Zenith continued her academic journey at Cornell University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in operations and research engineering, followed by a master’s degree in applied economics in May 2024. Today, Zenith is based in California, where she works at Tesla in finance and business operations, focusing on engineering finance. Her role involves collaborating with engineers and supply chain teams to plan and forecast costs for future vehicle development.
“On a daily basis, we are working on incredibly ambitious and cutting-edge ideas,” said Zenith. “To see those seemingly impossible ideas become reality through collaboration is incredibly inspiring.”
Relocating to the West Coast marked another transition that Zenith approached with confidence. She quickly built a new community and reconnected with fellow Darlington alumni, including Mamie Johnson (’17) and Katie Li ’(17), further reinforcing the strength of the Darlington network. Outside of work, she continues to embrace new challenges, recently teaching herself to skateboard and spending her free time working on ollies and kickflips.
Reflecting on her time at Darlington, Zenith emphasizes the importance of fully embracing the opportunities available.
“There is so much to explore,” she said. “I wish I had tried even more extracurricular activities and met more people outside of my immediate circles.”
Her advice to current and prospective international students is grounded in both honesty and encouragement. “The language barrier can feel overwhelming at first, but don’t let it hold you back," she said. "Be brave. Reach out and make friends. You have an incredible opportunity here. Enjoy it and don’t feel pressured to have everything figured out.”
Zenith’s story is a powerful reflection of Darlington’s mission in action. From a young international student stepping into the unknown to a professional contributing to cutting-edge innovation, her journey is rooted in connection, courage, and community.
To connect with Zenith, you can follow her on Instagram @HanZenith or find her on LinkedIn here.
