Real Growth Records of High School Freshmen
The past six months since entering the International College have been more than just "harder" courses for many it has been a process of rediscovering themselves, adjusting their mindsets, and updating their methods. Expectations, anxiety, and confusion have all truly happened, and it is precisely through adjustments that they have slowly found their own rhythm.
Today, the College Guide takes you into the real growth stories of three high school freshmen, listening to them share how they steadily move in dual foreign language learning and personal growth.
Grade 10 Integrated Class
Student Xue
In the half-year since entering Grade 10, I have not only knowledge but, more importantly, experienced a significant change in my learning approach. The biggest change is my learning method.
Previously, when studying only one foreign language, I could easily focus repeatedly work through difficult content until I understood it. However, when I first started learning a second foreign language, I clearly felt the strain. For a while, I even felt like I waslosing the watermelon to pick up the sesame seeds," unable to do justice to either side.
Later, I gradually realized that the essence of learning two languages is actually a competition between size and learning methods. Thus, I transferred the effective methods from English to my Japanese studies:
· Recite words → spell them correctly → write down the Chinese meaning;
When organizing notes, group related vocabulary together;
· Improve listening and memory skills through dictation;
It is precisely this "method transfer" that finally allowed me to " the hang of" Japanese. In my view, studying two languages together using more appropriate methods is actually more efficient. Learning how to learn is more important than obsessing over which language to.
At the same time, I have also gradually learned to study independently:
· Preview the text before class;
· It is easier to keep up with the's pace in class;
· Consolidate key grammar points repeatedly after class until truly mastered.
Maintaining the ability to learn is something that cannot be taken lightly. is my greatest gain over the past half-year.
02
My story begins in Grade 9
Grade 10 Integrated Class
Student Min
On December 29, 2024, I stepped into the School for the first time to attend the Campus Open Day. The campus was brand new and quiet, and the politeness and gentleness of the teachers and students quickly won me over During the interview, the teacher affirmed my answers; at that moment, for the first time, I felt that a goal could be so clear and so firm. I truly put in a lot of effort to here.
When I first enrolled, my biggest worry was whether I could adapt. But the results of several exams greatly encouraged me. It turns out that hard work really does pay, and I am gradually seeing my own progress.
I have always kept the words of the teachers at the International School in my heart:
"Everyone can see your efforts."
You are both excellent and sufficiently self-disciplined."
The learning at the beginning of the semester made me feel fulfilled and happy, and the midterm results helped me rebuild my confidence., as the pace quickened and the difficulty increased, pressure and challenges followed. Emotional ups and downs, confusion, and exhaustion once made me doubt myself.
During my low points, chose to confide in my family and teachers. They reminded me: bring your attention back to your own pace, and do not be led by external voices. As the exams approached I gritted my teeth to persevere while learning to adjust my mindset. The mock exams were not perfect, but a teacher's words put my mind at ease: "You have hit a bottleneck; once you cross it, you will be fine."
Ultimately, I successfully completed the exams, and the results were better than expected. Returning to school, I also clearer about what to do next—make up for my weaknesses, stabilize my mindset, and keep moving forward.
Through all of this, I finally understand: how others see you is business; walking your own path is your answer.
The current me is still working hard.
03
Time management is the best "tool" for learning
Grade 10 Integrated Class
Student Xue
When I first started learning two foreign languages simultaneously, I was actually very anxious.familiar vocabulary and completely different grammatical rules made me worry that I would have to digest too much content in the same amount of time, and in the end, I would only learn thesurface level" of both. Facing thick textbooks, I also felt lost and helpless.
But I told myself: things have to start somewhere. So, the first thing I did make a plan. I would—
· Allocate more time to weaker subjects
· Equally distribute time on weekends for overall review and listening practice
· Use different symbols in class to quickly mark I don't understand, and ask questions and review promptly after class
· Try my best to digest the content in class to improve efficiency
At the same time, I also learned adjust my learning priorities. For example, when exams are approaching, I will "focus on one subject and balance the other" in stages to avoid mental fatigue and declining efficiency, and I also leave appropriate time for relaxation.
After persisting for a while, I found that:
· My time management skills have significantly improved
· Learning tasks almost no longer pile up· I feel more and more in control of learning two foreign languages
It turns out that seemingly heavy learning can be conquered step by step as long as it is well-planned and has clear rhythm. As the saying goes: "To do a good job, one must first sharpen one's tools." And for me, time management is the best "tool" learning.
The Academy wants to say that in the stories of these three students, there are no "myths of talent," only real confusion, adjustment, and growth. In process:
· Some learned method transfer
· Some learned to stay calm
· Some learned to manage time
The paths they took are not exactly the same, but they all reached consensus on the same thing: finding a rhythm that suits oneself is more important than blindly being anxious.
May every student on the learning journey be able to see their own light through.