BREAKING BOUNDARIES

A Student’s Quest for Individuality in a New Country, New School, And a New Life Experience

and even some who may not go to college at all, everyone is very respectful of their decisions.”

This level of individual choice and autonomy is not something that Zhou experienced during her time in Chinese school. “Everyone’s pushing you and everybody’s forcing you to go on the same path and going in a similar direction, and you don’t know what you’re doing. You’re just doing the same thing as other people,” she explained.

Zhou also highlighted the lack of class choices in Chinese high schools and middle schools. “You don’t have a chance to choose classes,” she said. “Everyone is taking the same class and staying in the same classroom and being together with the same group of people.”

These differences in educational philosophy and structure have made Zhou’s journey to U.C. Berkeley all the more impressive. She has had to navigate a new culture and educational system, while also adjusting to the newfound freedom and flexibility that American schooling affords.

Despite the challenges, Zhou is excited to pursue her passions and chart her course in college. Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting individual choice and providing opportunities for students to pursue their unique interests and talents.