Embracing the Spirit of Exploration and Learning at Qibao Dwight

Since 2019, QD has provided our grade 10 students with a transformative educational experience through our Winter Project Course, offering a cross-disciplinary, real-world learning journey. Our recent “root-seeking” journeys have allowed our students to immerse themselves in diverse cultures and environments, gaining a deeper understanding of themselves, their local community, and the world.

Student Angela Ruan’s experience in Nanjing, the ancient capital of the Six Dynasties, reflects the value of respect, acceptance, and adaptability as she discovered the everchanging nature of time. Meanwhile, Cecilia Kim Seohyun was amazed by a meaningful experience in Jingdezhen. Cecilia said, “I was astonished by the specialized skills porcelain artists have. For example, porcelain can even simulate leather or create melodious sound when struck.”

In the Xiangxi Literature trip to Hunan province, students delved into the connections between personal experiences and the environment. Sky Niu said, “Seeing the rice fields under the sunset made me think of my mom. She lives in Shanghai now, but once stood barefoot in the rice fields, under the sunset, bending over and planting clusters of seeds.”

From Luoyang and Sichuan, to Chengdu and Minnan Hakka, students engaged in various cultural activities, deepening both their understanding of ancient life and modern issues. These trips inspire students to take responsibility for preserving ancient wisdom and ecological conservation, and instill a sense of entrepreneurship and service.

During an anthropological survey of Miao village in Guizhou, students found immense joy and deep connections through the simplicity and kindness of the locals. “A simple bowl of hot rice noodles brought immense joy, and we shared life with the locals, revealing profound human warmth,” one student said. These are just a few examples of the endless journey of learning and traveling which allows our students to discover life’s wisdom and beauty, igniting the spark of genius within.

COLLEGES AND CULTURE: QD STUDENTS TRAVEL TO AMERICA

Recently, 23 grades 10 and 11 students traveled with QD American Principal Robbie Shields and Director of Admissions and College Counseling Bailey to the US. The students visited MIT, Boston University, Harvard, Tufts, Yale, and NYU, to name a few. At Brown they met QD Alumni Coco Huang ’22 and Shirley Ma ’18. While in New York City, they met with Dwight New York’s College Counseling team, connected with current students, and heard from Vice Chancellor Blake Spahn and Head of School Dianne Drew — as well as saw a broadway show, the MET, the 9/11 memorial, and a professional basketball game at Madison Square Garden.