#GraduateStory | Linda Yuan: From Not Knowing to Not Fearing

Starting High School with Uncertainty



As graduation approaches, I look back on three years at BAID and how much I have matured. I decided shortly after Zhongkao to join BAID, with little knowledge of what to expect. Classmates discussed standardized exams and extracurricular activities, and I struggled to join in. I felt uncertain but hoped to discover a direction of my own. I entered several competitions because others were doing so, then received disappointing results because I barely knew how to prepare. That difficult period taught me to appreciate the more purposeful work I undertook later.

Finding a Direction

My teachers helped me work through those difficulties. Ms. Liu Siyu and Ms. Liang Xiao, together with Ms. Shuai Junyu, patiently answered questions and offered individualized planning and support. Gradually, I clarified my interests. Microeconomics first attracted me, prompting me to follow economic news and events. Later, I had the opportunity to travel to Guizhou with two classmates to investigate the preservation and transmission of Miao embroidery traditions. We wrote a paper examining the issue economically, then developed related merchandise and organized several sales. The research gave me confidence to undertake more challenging projects.

Preparing Thoroughly for Competitions



In Grade 11, I entered NEC and IEO. I had yet to finish my macroeconomics course, so preparing required considerable independent work. I spent nearly a month studying the remaining material before practicing questions. After completing all the questions on the official website, I focused on my mistakes and reviewed the material three or four times before competing. I also created a reference document for concepts I frequently confused. Our results exceeded my expectations: we qualified for the China round with a score well above the cutoff and subsequently progressed to the international round, achieving strong results.

Becoming More Comfortable Speaking



Preparing for competitions helped me develop considerably. In middle school, I had been reluctant to speak in public. For much of high school, I also feared speaking English, worrying that I would express myself poorly and placing considerable pressure on myself. Competition presentations gave me a reason to work through that fear. I had to present our arguments before several judges, and initially worried about letting my team down. Teachers and teammates encouraged me. I revised and memorized my speech, rehearsed repeatedly, and ultimately delivered the presentation successfully.



Accepting New Challenges



That experience helped with university applications, particularly interviews. After receiving an invitation from the University of Cambridge in Grade 12, I knew I needed to confront my difficulty speaking confidently. My initial practice with international teachers was hesitant, and each attempt brought improvement. Gradually, I became able to communicate my main ideas fully and clearly. Cambridge ultimately declined my application, but completing the interview was a significant achievement for me.

Looking Ahead



I arrived at BAID uncertain about exams and activities, and now I am preparing to study at a university in the United States. Along the way, I experienced setbacks and self-doubt, as well as uncertainty, while continuing to make an effort. I expect future challenges, and I have gained the confidence to try.

I believe that patient, practical effort will help me find my own direction.