#GraduateStory | Lesley Cui: Becoming Myself Through Trial and Error



Three years ago, I arrived at Beijing Academy eager to explore the world. I hoped new experiences would help me discover who I was, while my future remained open.



Looking back, I am grateful that I had the courage to begin. Over three years, I tried things, encountered setbacks, and began again, searching for direction through periods of uncertainty. Gradually, I learned more about myself and used my curiosity to understand the world. Small decisions contributed to that development over time. I am glad I chose to explore, learn from mistakes, and discover my own direction.

Part 01: Understanding the World Through Economics

My interest began in Ms. Shuai Junyu's AP Microeconomics class. I was delighted to discover how economics explained everyday choices, such as joining the shortest queue or paying more for a particular brand. Even more fascinating was its capacity to illuminate how countries operate and the competing considerations behind policies.

Recognizing those underlying explanations made me eager to explore further. I began appreciating the logic behind events that initially seemed disconnected and wanted to understand it.

Later, writing a paper on public policy and economics deepened that understanding. Economic policies involve negotiations among political interests, while political decisions depend on economic circumstances and constraints. Studying their relationship gave me a fuller, more systematic understanding of how the world works and confirmed my choice of International Politics and Economics.

Part 02: Learning from Application Season

Application season was long and demanding. It revealed my strengths and the areas where I could improve.

After my Early Decision rejection, I felt upset for a long time and questioned my abilities and the choices I had made.



As further decisions arrived, including offers and waitlist notifications, as well as rejections, I gradually learned to respond with greater composure. Applying helped me recognize my strengths and identify ways to improve. Each essay revision and reflection contributed to my development. Looking back, I can appreciate what those disappointments taught me. Accepting myself and making my own judgments, acknowledging achievements and addressing weaknesses gave me greater confidence to continue.

Part 03: Musical Theater and Friendship

One of my most memorable high school experiences was performing in A Night of Choices and Spotlight, the musicals organized by Ms. Sia. Initially, I felt anxious about dancing poorly and holding the group back. Ms. Sia noticed and spent time after class teaching me each movement, patiently helping with my positions onstage and my performance. Teammates also helped me correct details. Their enthusiasm and acceptance soon made me feel part of the group.



I was particularly moved when my friend Aurora, who played the female lead, recorded a five-minute mirrored video breaking down the choreography so I could practice after class. Over those six months, we rehearsed daily and laughed together, shared lunches and became close friends. Practicing with them was what I most looked forward to. I still often think about those days, and my friends' smiles and encouraging words continue to give me motivation.

Part 04: Advice for Younger Students

My strongest advice is to act promptly. Delaying uses time and energy that could go toward putting an idea into practice. Begin when you have an idea and allow the outcome to teach you, even if you feel uncertain about how an activity will go. Looking back, finishing my standardized exams earlier and participating in more activities and competitions during Grades 10 and 11 would have made application season easier. That reflection taught me the value of starting early.

Make time now for standardized exams and activities, including competitions. Working ahead will give you more room to handle applications in Grade 12.

Part 05: The People Who Supported Me

Many people contributed to my three years of high school. They helped me grow and gave me courage to pursue a wider range of possibilities.

I especially want to thank Ms. Shuai Junyu, who supported me from Grade 10 through Grade 12. She introduced me to the field I love and, as my College Counselor, helped me clarify my direction. She assisted with almost every project I pursued, from school activities to outside competitions. During application season, she gave extraordinary attention to my essays and materials, offering dependable advice and support when I felt anxious.

I am also grateful to my Homeroom Teacher Ms. Tan and Head of Grade Ms. Liang. Whenever I struggled academically, experienced difficult emotions, or felt uncertain about my future, they quickly offered help. Their attentive care made school feel reassuring and welcoming.

Thank you to every teacher who taught me. Their expertise and patience meant they explained difficult problems repeatedly until I understood. When I felt discouraged, they encouraged me with words such as “You can do it.” Their confidence in me helped me develop my own.

My family has given me unconditional love and support, allowing me to pursue my interests and the future I hope for. They always tell me, “Whatever happens, we will be here with you.” That reassurance has helped me continue whenever I considered giving up.

I thank my friends for their companionship throughout these years. Their trust restored my confidence when I doubted myself, and their company helped me through difficult days. We shared many wonderful moments, making these years full of affection alongside our hard work.

Finally, thank you to Beijing Academy for giving me freedom to grow and learn through experimentation. Here I met caring, talented people and encountered opportunities I had scarcely imagined. Wherever I go, Beijing Academy will always feel like home.