Dare Mighty Things with Unwavering Passion

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A year after her last interview, Ariel Li, the soon-to-be graduate from WASHZ, appears more confident and steadfast, armed with eight offers including UCLA, a testament to her solid foundation. Her top achievement is not just her academic prowess, but also her unwavering love for mathematics.

As an IGCSE all A*, A-level all A*, recipient of the WAS Exceptional Scholarship, Student Union President, and a champion in math competitions, Ariel has left an impressive record at WASHZ.

However, being a “genius” doesn’t guarantee admission to elite universities like UCLA; it’s the combination of excellent grades and relentless dedication that opens doors

Ariel’s golden key to success is her unyielding passion for math and her ability to turn thoughts into action.

Dare Mighty Things

“Dare mighty things.” she says without hesitation, referring to mathematics as her shining pursuit.

Mathematics is that mighty thing. Her journey began with a Sudoku puzzle in a newspaper, leading her to delve into the intricate world of numbers. Ariel’s curiosity led her to traverse the realms of formulas and theorems, each solved problem deepening her understanding and affection for the subject.

Ariel’s most familiar person at WASHZ—her maths teacher—Mr. Darby, greatly values the time they have spent delving into mathematics together.

“I expect to be teaching the ‘Ariel Method’ for complex summation and Equilibrium in many classes to come…I’d like to thank you for being such an excellent student and for helping me continue to find joy in Mathematics.”

Persistence stems from passion, but for Ariel, mathematics has long transcended the level of passion but become a lifestyle and philosophy that shaped her into a self-reliant leader. She leads the math club, orchestrates mathematical events, and establishes a mathematical database.

A Proactive Girl

Her dare-to-act nature is evident in her choice to apply with A-levels to US universities. Despite the rarity of such a path, Ariel meticulously researched university requirements, crafted multiple essays, and earned UCLA’s recognition through her diligent approach.

Ariel’s proactive and responsible character earned her the respect of teachers and peers, culminating in her election as Student Union President. Under her guidance, initiatives like textbook recycling, charity bazaars, and online learning applications were implemented. She believes that true leadership comes from actions that inspire trust and motivation.

“It’s what you do, not what you are; not what you say, but how you inspire trust and energy.” It’s what Ariel has said, and it’s also what she has always been doing.

In a few months, Ariel will embark on the next chapter at UCLA, ready to adapt to new surroundings, teachers, and friends. May her always maintaining her relentless pursuit of math and truth, and continue to excel!

May her always maintaining her relentless pursuit of math and truth, and continue to excel and dare mighty things.

Of course, don’t forget about the small promise to Mr. Darby— to say Hello to Professor Terence Tao at UCLA!

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