This placement gave me the opportunity to work with high-performing students in AP-level classes, supporting their academic progress and engagement. I assisted both AP Biology and AP Calculus classes weekly by helping clarify complex concepts, encouraging classroom participation, and maintaining a focused learning environment. Working closely with teachers, I saw how academic rigor can be balanced with emotional support, especially in high-pressure courses. This experience deepened my appreciation for differentiated instruction and the importance of patience in secondary education settings.

During my time at the hospital in China, I shadowed a licensed counselor working with clients experiencing a range of psychological challenges. My responsibilities included observing therapy sessions, taking notes on counseling techniques, and participating in post-session discussions. Many clients presented with symptoms of anxiety, trauma, or familial conflict. This experience gave me a first-hand look at the therapeutic process in a clinical setting and solidified my interest in pursuing a career that combines empathy with evidence-based mental health care.

At PELLIOT, an outdoor sportswear brand in Beijing, I served as a marketing intern during the summer of 2024. I worked closely with the digital marketing team, supporting the development and execution of multi-platform campaigns that boosted the brand’s online visibility. My responsibilities included conducting market and competitor research, crafting social media content, and tracking engagement metrics to assess campaign impact. This role sharpened my ability to think strategically about communication and branding, while teaching me how data and creativity intersect in a professional environment. Although not set in a school, this internship expanded my understanding of how storytelling and outreach can shape perceptions—an insight I now carry into educational and counseling contexts as well.

At The Chestnut Hill School, I worked alongside a science teacher, supporting six elementary school classes ranging from Grade 3 to Grade 5. My role involved helping facilitate lessons twice a week, providing one-on-one guidance to students during experiments and activities, and learning how to adjust instructional methods for younger children. Many students were in their early stages of scientific understanding, and I gained valuable insights into how curiosity and learning styles develop in the elementary years. This experience strengthened my communication skills and gave me over 150 hours of practical classroom exposure.