The Arrow Spring 2018

A s an international student at Oak Hill Academy for three years, I learned that I have to work hard for my dream and for what I want to achieve. It is not easy for a foreign student to adapt to the curriculum in an American high school, especially when there is a difficulty for you to communicate well and to comprehend academic materials in a second language. During my first year at Oak Hill, I stayed up almost every night to review what I learned that day. My only goal at that time was to be able to speak English fluently. I mispronounced many words that embarrassed me to the point I no longer had the courage to speak in class. My English teacher offered me tutorials every day after school to help advance my English, and I conquered this awkwardness by constantly learning and gaining more confidence through experience. I talked to many people although I did not know what topic I should start with, I was clear that I had to take baby steps in order to be good at something. I realized that I had to be patient, and have the right attitude when facing my strengths and weaknesses. I joined volleyball, soccer, cheerleading, leadership, youth group and praise band to get involved as much as I could in the school. Taking difficult tasks intentionally strengthened me as a person. I realized that always doing a little more than required will only help you reach a higher point on the road to your dream. I believe that working hard and knowing how to manage your stress properly is the key to success. As an international student, sometimes you have to pay more to achieve your goals. It may seem to be stressful, overwhelming, or tiring at some point, however, the hard work accumulates in the end and will become the best support that you build for yourself. I want to tell all international students: learn how to be truly independent. Only when you start thinking about who you want to be and where you want to go, the path for you can become clear. There was a time that I doubted myself if I could do it because I was under too much stress, I did not know what my goal should be, and whom I should become. I talked to Dr. Groves, Mrs. Groves, Ms. Richardson and Mrs. Crede, and they encouraged me to be myself and continue to do my best. They are mentors for me, their advice was carefully taken by me, and I truly appreciate the help I could get from these people. I experienced many internal and external conflicts within myself, and I bet many other international students have as well. Being homesick, feeling lonely because your parents are far away from you, and simply just doubting if you can do the work. If you have felt the same at some point, here’s some advice for you. First, be active with everything around you. Try your best to get involved with the culture around you. A Word to the International Students – Xian “Alice” Wang

Second, make friends who share the same values and hobbies with you. You need support from your peers. Sometimes, friends point out both good things and bad things about you. Learning how to face your strengths and weaknesses is a skill. Third, be confident in yourself. You are the one to achieve your dream, so you have to be the one who takes pressure and pride in yourself. As long as you believe in yourself, you can conquer all obstacles you face. Lastly, smile to yourself every day. You have to know that being strong and confident is not just in other’s eyes, but in your own. You deserve a smile to yourself after the hard work you put in. Always remember that each one of you has potential in achieving something in life. Your struggles will only make you stronger and smarter on your way to success. I hope every one of you will continue to work hard for your goals and dreams next year, with a positive attitude every single day.