Hengyu Zhou doesn’t just think outside the box—she redesigns it entirely. Whether translating speeches on the fly, bringing animations to life, or balancing art with practicality, her AISG journey is a masterclass in turning uncertainty into opportunity. With a toolkit blending creativity, humor, and sheer grit, here’s how she redefined limits—and why her story resonates far beyond the classroom.

What is your proudest moment at AISG?

Maybe it’s not my proudest moment, but it’s still significant. Two years ago, I was asked to translate the principal’s speech on the spot during a staff meeting, which made my heart race. But realizing I had the linguistic ability to do it was empowering. Since then, I’ve volunteered as an oral translator for many staff meetings and outside events.

Reflecting on your time at AISG, what experience or challenge has contributed most to your personal growth, and how has it shaped you?

With the generous help of people in our grade, I managed to make the film shown during the senior assembly. Seeing how everyone has something valuable to offer, I learned to ditch social anxiety and embrace teamwork. (It had always been my dream to play self-made animation/film in front of the whole school—thanks to my friends and me, it came true.)

What specific skill or mindset has best prepared you to adapt to future uncertainties and help you move forward?

The belief that no skill is unlearnable. During uni applications, extracurriculars, and even regular IB assessments, I often had no idea how to tackle certain tasks. But by asking people around me or researching online, I figured out solutions to problems that seemed gigantic at first. So trust your problem-solving ability!

What advice do you have for current students to make the most of their experience at AISG?

Use AISG’s resources: the facilities, online subscriptions, teachers, students, outside partners… No matter how crazy your project is, see if there’s material to start with and ask for help along the way (advice from an IB Art student). Also, if you’re in IBDP, please stay alive—and don’t forget to live.

What universities have you been accepted to, and what field of study do you plan to pursue? How did your experiences at AISG shape that decision?

I plan to study BS Art & Entertainment Technology in the US. This decision came after an intense mental battle between pursuing art and securing a future job. Thanks to AISG’s internships (which exposed me to art-related work environments) and the support of my teachers, parents, and friends, I’m closer to my childhood dream career.

Hengyu Zhou’s Extracurriculars/Activities/Awards from her time at AISG:

• Art Club (2021–2025)

• Chinese Newspaper (2022–2025)

• National Honor Society (2023–2025)

• National Chinese Honor Society (2024–2025)

• CAS Choir (2024–2025)

• Climbing Club (2025)

• Musical Backdrop Design (2024–2025)

• Logo Design for LS Drama Festival (2023–2024)

• Internship: FedEx (2024)

• APAC Cross-Country (2024)

• High School Union (2021–2023)

• Classical Guitar (2021–2023)

• TEDxYouth@AISG (2021)

• LS Volleyball (2020)

• LS Soccer (2020)

• TOK Student of the Year (2024)

• US Chinese Battle of the Books (2021–2023)

• Social Practice: 37 Interactive Entertainment (2023)

• Highest Honor Roll (2021–2023)

• Visual Arts Student of the Year (2023)

• Chinese A Student of the Year (2021–2023)

• Sciences Student of the Year (2021)

Hengyu’s parting wisdom? "No skill is unlearnable, and no dream is too wild—if you’re willing to ask for help and hustle." As she heads to the US to study Art & Entertainment Technology, her legacy at AISG is clear: Curiosity + courage = a life less ordinary. Here’s to the next frame of her adventure!

AISG’s International Baccalaureate® Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) is focused on learning and growing. We develop the whole child through a transdisciplinary, inquiry approach and place the learner at the center of all we do. Guided by the phases of the Inquiry Cycle, students explore, document, reflect and act resulting in an authentic and personalized journey.