Jarry Liang
Hello, everyone! My name is Jarry Liang. I am an IBDP student who graduated in 2022 in XLIS. Thanks to the IB teaching system, during my DP studies, I majored in Higher Level Chinese and English. By the time I entered university, I had already met the school’s credit requirements for second language proficiency for international students. When applying for the university’s international program in my sophomore year, I originally planned to apply to the University of Tokyo in Japan. However, by chance, I saw that the University of Oxford was restarting its international program in 2024. With a try-it-out attitude, I began preparing for the application in my summer vacation of 2023 and successfully received an admission letter from Oxford in February 2024. Currently, I am a full-scholarship junior majoring in philosophy at the University of Oxford, along with classmates from Harvard University and Princeton University. At present, I’m a “salted fish” college student who is still enjoying the Christmas and New Year holidays and will delve into my small businesses when I have nothing to do.
As the New Year approaches, I do not have any “experience” to impart or give to you as your senior. I believe that everyone’s future path is different, there is no good or bad, only whether it is their road. One of the happiest things for me is when I see my juniors find their brilliance, find the possibility that I never imagined, never had. That’s one of the most wonderful things in life, the possibility that is everywhere, maybe it’s very hard to get, but why not give it a try? Life will be boring if every day is the same, we are young and we have enough time to trial and error, to dream, to find happiness, and to meet our love. The only thing we never change is that we are changing every day! At this point, I hope that in this New Year, we can all write a story that is not bound, is continuous progress, and occasionally a little magnificent! Fighting！
Seher Arif
Hi everyone! I’m Seher Arif, an alumna of XLIS’s first IBDP cohort, graduated in 2019. My time there has turned into cherished memories that continue to warm my heart.
After XLIS, I earned my degree from the University of Nottingham, Malaysia, and now work in Azerbaijan. XLIS was pivotal in my journey, teaching me to be proactive and seize every opportunity. I learned resilience and determination, overcoming obstacles with newfound persistence. Each opportunity presented unique challenges, but these challenges fostered immense personal growth.
My advice to young adults: embrace possibilities, for they hold invaluable life lessons. Time flies faster than you think, especially between 18 and 25, so cherish every moment. While personal growth comes with challenges, don’t forget to appreciate the present. Savour the journey of becoming, even as you strive for your goals.
Shuyao
After graduating from XLIS in 2022, I am fortunate to continue my studies at the University of Sydney and I am currently in my second year of architecture design. In addition, while studying professional courses in Beijing during the holidays, I actively participated in various extracurricular activities, volunteer organizations, and alumni meetings. In November of 2024, I participated in the United Nations Climate Conference COP29 as a youth representative, combining my professional learning with sustainable environmental planning and demonstrating the potential of youth in a global perspective through practical actions.
My learning experience at XLIS not only provided me with solid academic skills but also instilled in me a lifelong learning mindset, a global perspective, and valuable self-reflection abilities, all of which have become solid foundations for my future development.
In the new year, I wish XLIS a garden full of peach blossoms and spring sunshine in all directions! I’m looking forward to XLIS’s younger students continuing to write their wonderful chapters, making XLIS’ story shine brightly!
Mark Ma
My name is Yuhao Ma, I graduated from Xi’an Liangjiatan International School in 2020, which feels both like yesterday and a lifetime ago. My journey from high school to where I am today has been full of learning, challenges, and growth. Currently, I’m a senior at the University of Southern California, majoring in Computer Science, and I will complete my master’s degree at this university in 2026.
As the New Year begins, I’d like to share some thoughts with you, especially for those of you in the DP program. I know how overwhelming it can feel to balance schoolwork with the pressure of college applications. My advice is: don’t let that pressure consume you. It’s important to work hard, but it’s just as important to take care of yourself. Make time to unwind—whether it’s through sports, music, or any hobby that brings you joy. Sometimes, stepping away for a short break can help you return with more focus and energy.
Also, don’t forget to treasure the friendships and connections you have right now. These moments of sharing laughter and supporting each other are irreplaceable. Once you graduate and everyone moves on to different paths and places, it won’t be as easy to come together as it is now. Cherish this time and make memories that you’ll carry with you.
Wishing you all a wonderful New Year ahead filled with growth, joy, and success. You’re doing amazing—keep going!
Anna Wang
Hello everyone! I am Anna, a graduate of the class of 2022, and currently graduated from the Aviation Management program at the University of New South Wales in Australia. As an outstanding graduate ranked in the top 10% of my university majors, I deeply feel the help that the IB program has brought me. IB has developed my time management skills, allowing me to easily and efficiently complete my studies during my university years. I finished all courses in two years and completed a six-month internship at Qantas. Looking back on this journey, the education provided by XLIS was crucial to my growth and success. On the occasion of this Chinese New Year, I sincerely wish XLIS a thriving and prosperous campus and also wish all my younger students success in their studies and a bright future!
Vincy Cao
Hello everyone, I’m Vincy. I graduated from XLIS in 2016 and then pursued my undergraduate studies at the University of Washington in the United States. I am currently a doctoral student at the University of Tokyo in Japan, where I also completed my master’s degree in chemical engineering.
In the multicultural learning environment of XLIS, through participating in various courses and activities, not only has my international perspective been broadened, and my abilities of independent thinking and collaborative work have been cultivated, but also, I have gained many precious friendships and memories, sowing vigorous seeds for my future academic and life paths.
As the New Year approaches, I wish XLIS continued success and prosperity, and that it will continue to provide students with an outstanding educational and growth platform. I also wish all the younger students here a brilliant future that begins from this place.
Ian Waweru
I’m currently in my first year of undergraduate studies in marketing, and I’ve been enjoying the challenges and growth that come with it. Outside of academics, I focus a lot on fitness, making it a personal goal to stay strong both physically and mentally.
Looking back, I feel incredibly grateful for my time at XLIS, as it truly contributed to my smooth transition into university life. The skills, values, and experiences I gained there made the shift much easier, and I’m thankful for the foundation it provided.
Lastly, I’d like to wish everyone a very Happy Chinese New Year! May the Year of the Snake bring wisdom, strength, and new opportunities for growth to all of you.
Here, we would like to wish all our alumni success in their studies and work and a happy New Year! The gates of XLIS will always be open to you and you are welcome to come back anytime. Let’s look forward to more interactions among our outstanding alumni in the future!
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Author:
Fancy Fan (Admin Officer)
