Dear fellow Mapleleafers,
I am Deng Haonan, a graduate of the Class of 2015 from Chongqing Maple Leaf International School. I would like to take this opportunity to share my university study and life experiences with you, as well as reflect on the mistakes I once made, hoping that we can learn from them and make progress together.
University Values Academic Competence Over Language Test Scores
Due to limited life experience and cognitive ability, many middle school students believe that scoring highly in IELTS or TOEFL through off-campus tutoring qualifies them for early admission to overseas universities. Admittedly, numerous educational agencies and training institutions promote this notion, persuading students to take cram courses, sit for language exams, and rely on agencies to apply for overseas schools.
A high TOEFL score of 90 may meet the basic admission criteria for foreign universities, but it never equals the ability to study, live and graduate smoothly overseas. Many of you must guard against arrogance and impetuosity, and take steady steps forward in your studies.
What Maple Leaf cultivates in students is core academic competence, which proves indispensable for university studies. Maple Leaf’s education system is the fruit of two decades of continuous research and optimization by Maple Leaf Education Group. Every regulation, course and curriculum module in its teaching system is designed in line with the requirements of British Columbia’s Ministry of Education, tailored to Maple Leaf’s talent cultivation philosophy and the learning characteristics of Chinese students.
Maple Leaf equips you with comprehensive capabilities for higher education, including academic literacy, independent living skills and sound behavioral habits. Social Studies builds your understanding of Canadian culture and history; English courses lay a solid foundation for literary appreciation and academic essay writing; Chemistry, general science and Calculus prepare you for future majors such as Business Administration and Computer Science. Every discipline is closely interconnected. When you enter university, you will truly realize how valuable the knowledge and skills you acquired at Maple Leaf are.
I am a typical example. Back in high school, I was satisfied with simply graduating. It was not until I entered university that I regretted not studying harder and absorbing more knowledge when I had the chance.
Cultivate Sound Daily Habits
Maple Leaf’s Three Good Habits cultivation program is an essential part of holistic education, benefiting students for a lifetime. Many students often ask teachers: “Why do we need to clean our dormitories every day?” “Why do we have evening self-study sessions every day?”
I once had the same doubts. But after entering university, no one arranges dorm cleaning for you, and no one supervises your self-study. Does that mean you can leave your dorm messy for an entire semester? Does that mean you can skip self-study entirely?
If you persist in evening self-study throughout your years at Maple Leaf, this practice will become an inherent habit. Even in university, you will take the initiative to study in classrooms. If you keep your dorm clean every day during high school, tidying up will become a part of your daily life, and you will naturally maintain good living hygiene at university. In time, you will find that these good habits become lasting motivation for your continuous growth and progress.
Avoid Focusing Solely on Textbook Learning
Many Chinese students who enter overseas universities from public high schools are deeply influenced by traditional exam-oriented education, confining themselves to academic learning with almost no participation in extracurricular activities.
Maple Leaf offers a wealth of clubs and extracurricular activities, and you are strongly encouraged to take an active part in them. What you need is not merely a certificate of social practice, but the accumulation of interpersonal connections, an understanding of social resource allocation, practical social experience, and the principles and skills of interpersonal communication and problem-solving.
As an old saying goes, “Handle affairs flawlessly and speak with impeccable tact.” Such capabilities can only be gained through personal participation and practical experience.
Respect Teachers and Value Education
An ancient Chinese proverb states: In the pursuit of learning, respecting teachers is the most fundamental principle. Only when teachers are revered can knowledge be honored; only when knowledge is honored will people cherish learning.
Respecting teachers and valuing education is a traditional Chinese virtue. No matter how profound your knowledge is and how remarkable your achievements are, you should always respect knowledge and honor your teachers.
Lastly, I want to tell all underclassmen: No matter what circumstances you encounter, never lose your original self. Stay strong, brave, kind and benevolent. When you graduate and look back on your campus life, you will find that you have gained far more than just grades and scores.
