Fit for Psychology | Zoe, University of Virginia

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At Wellington, we provide our pupils with a personalised, strategic and effective university and career guidance programme. As early as year 9, we work with them to identify their skills and interests. We teach them how to cultivate the attributes that universities and employers value. With help from our University Guidance Team, our pupils learn to think strategically when choosing their coursework and preparing for their admissions exams. Whether conducting mock admissions interviews or coaching on how to write an effective personal statement, we are with our pupils every step of the way.

Wellingtonians have already begun to receive offers from excellent universities. This week, we talk with year 13 pupil Zoe. Whether she is organising a TEDx event, playing saxophone in the College Big Band or engaging in a spirited discussion about current events in our debate CCA, Zoe has a passion for people and a deep curiosity about what makes them tick. Recently, the University of Virginia (UVA) recognised this too and offered her the opportunity to study psychology there. 

Regarded as a ‘Public Ivy’, UVA is a deeply storied institution of higher learning that traces its roots back to 1819, when it was founded by Thomas Jefferson, who authored the country’s Declaration of Independence and served as its third president. Today, Zoe reflects on her time at Wellington and what excites her most about her journey ahead.

01What inspired you to pursue a major in psychology?

Humans fascinate me, and I love understanding how and why people behave the way they do. Psychology also encompasses a lot of other interests of mine, like philosophy or education, which I am very excited to explore more of in university!

02What attracted you to University of Virginia?

UVA offers a special opportunity called January-term (J-term), where during the winter break students can take specialized and interdisciplinary courses in smaller classes or can even study abroad in another country. I can definitely see myself utilising this opportunity! As a musician, I love how UVA brings an artist to perform a concert every semester, as well as their tradition of ‘Lighting of the Lawn’, which involves live performances and light shows with glowing beach balls.
03Where do you hope a psychology degree will take you in your career?

I have always envisioned myself working with humans (instead of chemicals or robots). More specifically, I really have a passion for teaching and have been volunteering to teach English within and outside of Wellington since the beginning of Senior School. So, I am considering a career in education, perhaps as a teacher or counsellor.

04What has been the biggest challenge for you in the university admissions process?

Aside from the cliché of time management (which was definitely also a challenge, especially while fighting COVID and applying to multiple countries!), I thought that the process of making decisions was quite daunting. It felt like a big step to decide on a community and environment that would not only dictate what my next four years would look like, but also have a great influence on me intellectually and socially.

05Was there anything about the process that was surprisingly easy?

For me, it was doing the university research! I found myself really enjoying the process of understanding more about each university and what interesting opportunities they have to offer. (For example, I am really excited about one school’s ballroom dance club!) Many schools appeared similar at first glance, but I like to think of university research as a game of “Spot the Differences”. Each university really is uniquely different!
06How has Wellington’s University Guidance Programme helped you achieve your goals?

I really appreciated how everyone in the University Guidance team is so willing to help us and answer our (many) questions. I am really thankful to Mr Beard for being so organised and also for frequently checking on our progress. I am also so grateful for Ms Huang, who was very patient in answering all my questions about my applications and for Ms Williams who was so helpful in supporting and encouraging me during my preparation for interviews.

07What advice do you have for any upcoming year 13 pupils  applying to universities?

Start early and plan well! Whether it is school research, writing essays or interviews, you can set deadlines for yourself. The earlier you finish, the less stressed you will be! Another important thing is to ask for feedback from peers, teachers and parents. When I was applying, I showed my essays to many friends, and it was very helpful to hear insights from different perspectives.

08How long have you attended Wellington? What were your initial impressions on your first day at school?

This is my fourth year at Wellington, and I still remember being surprised at how friendly everyone was. I am so grateful for my friend Doreen, who was my buddy from day one, introducing me to everyone and making my transition to Wellington so smooth!

09In what ways has Wellington helped you grow or build character? Can you share a story that illustrates this?

In year 12, I had the privilege to organize TEDx at Wellington! It was a big challenge to balance school, extracurriculars and external exams while organizing an event. I truly would not have been able to do it without the support and encouragement of Mr O’Brien and Mr Shaw. This opportunity taught me a lot about communication, perseverance and leadership, which I will carry with me to university and beyond.
10Please tell us about something you never would have been able to do or experience anywhere but Wellington.

This year I had the amazing opportunity to learn the tenor saxophone and join the College Big Band! During my time at Wellington, I have also been offered many opportunities to develop my music skills, such as forming our own band and performing in concerts on and off campus.

11What do you like most about being a Wellingtonian?

I love how there are no barriers between year groups. I think everyone will agree that we all have friends from other years (I even have friends from year 3!) I think this is something very special about Wellington.

12What is your favourite Wellington memory?What is your favourite Wellington memory?
A recent favourite memory of mine is debating controversial (and sometimes absurd) topics with my friends, such as whether it is better to have total freedom or total order. We call it our ‘Arguing CCA’. I really appreciate how my friends are always up for discussing social issues, challenging our opinions and thinking deeply about the world around us!
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