- University Counseling
Both professionally and personally, my passion is helping young people reach their goals. There are few feelings more rewarding than guiding a student through the process of discovering their strengths, identifying their college and career aspirations, and ultimately achieving what they once imagined was out of reach.
For me, success has never been about the prestige of the university. It has always been about fit.
The greatest joy comes from witnessing students find the place where they truly belong – where their personalities, values, and cultures align with the university they will soon call home. And in 2026, we have seen so many of our students do exactly that.
The Class of 2026, altogether 41 graduates, were accepted to 235 universities in 14 countries, with almost USD 1 million awarded in scholarship money. Remarkably, 88% of our students were offered places at the world’s top 100 universities – last year this figure was 55%.
A Year of Meaningful Matches
This year’s university placements reflect not just academic excellence but thoughtful, intentional choices aligned with their passions:
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Biological Sciences at Imperial College London
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Chemistry at Carnegie Mellon University
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Criminology at the University of Toronto
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Data and Systems Engineering at The University of Hong Kong
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Digital Media and Society at the University of Sheffield
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Drama and English at Queen’s University Belfast
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Econometrics and Data Science at the University of Amsterdam
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Education, Society, and Culture at University College London
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Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences at the University of California, Berkeley
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Engineering at the University of Cambridge
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Fashion Design at Parsons School of Design, The New School
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Psychology (pre-dental) at McGill University
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Sports Management at New York University
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War Studies and History at King’s College London
Each offer tells a story – not just of acceptance, but of alignment.
The Courage to Leave Home
In the southern United States, where I’m from, we say: “Home is where the heart is.” For international students, however, the idea of “home” is far more complex. Many of our students have grown up between cultures, countries, and communities.
While they may not feel rooted in a single birthplace, their identity is shaped by their families' traditions, the comfort of their homes, and the Hangzhou Chinese culture.
Leaving that behind takes remarkable courage. You must be fearless. To step into a new country – sometimes one they have never even visited – to travel thousands of miles away (up to 24 hours of flights) from everything familiar requires a quiet type of bravery. It is a leap into the unknown and their future life. It will be uncertain, but rewarding.
Looking Ahead with Pride
I could not be more proud of our Grade 12 students – not only for their achievements, but for their willingness to dream big and take bold steps toward their futures. And while this chapter is coming to a close, I know it is only the beginning. I expect more great news of adventure, careers, and learning from this soon-to-be HIS alumni.
Once a Dragon, Always a Dragon!