As time and opportunity presents, come back with ideas around lectures and seminars, be informative about entrepreneurialism and start-ups and be inspirational around service to local and wider communities – I would like to offer grateful thanks to those of you who have already done so!
—— James Lyng
High School Principal
On June 20th, Pao School held its annual Alumni Reunion event, the Summer Homecoming, for graduating classes from 2017 to 2024. Despite rising temperatures and many students remaining overseas, more than 100 alumni returned to campus to reconnect with their former home. The reunions on the Songjiang campus evoke a sense of nostalgia, offering alumni the chance to rekindle friendships and engage with Year 11 students while giving back to the community.
From left to right: alumni from class of
18', 20', 21', 22', 23' and 24'
James Lyng, the High School Principal, opened the event welcoming alumni back onto campus.
Unlike in previous years, this year's panels included two roundtable discussions. The audience comprised not only alumni but also Year 11 students, who found valuable insights in the discussions as they prepare to apply for college this fall.
The first panel was titled Campus Life and Study Experience, discussing topics like adjusting to life abroad, cultural shocks, becoming independent, and how to get the most out of college life and the resources provided. This discussion was directed more towards the Year 11 students, and the younger alumni still in undergrad, who have more curiosities on university life. The panel, moderated by Year 11 student Anna Zhou, included an impressive lineup of panelists: Jenny Zhang from the 2021 cohort, currently studying at Tufts University; Kaka Peng from the 2022 cohort, who is attending Brown University; and Kelly Hu and Sissi Zou from the 2024 cohort, studying at Vanderbilt University and Wellesley College, respectively.
Picture of Panel 1, from left to right:
Anna Zhou, Sissi Zou, Kelly Hu, Kaka Peng and Jenny Zhang
The second panel was titled ‘Graduate School Applications and Work Experience’, directed towards alumni as they continue their career journeys. The panel was moderated by Kaka Peng from the previous panel, and the panelists included Wilson Wu from the cohort of 2020, who completed his undergraduate studies at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and is now pursuing a master's at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; Frank Zhuang from the cohort of 2018, who completed his undergraduate degree at Reed College and is now studying for his master's at Brandeis University; Jacqueline Yang from the cohort of 2022, currently attending USC; and Eric Tang, also from the cohort of 2022, studying at Tufts University. All four alumni have exceptional CVs with extensive internship experiences. Frank worked for a biology company in Boston for several years but has now returned to school to pursue his master's degree. Wilson is a pilot for a Hong Kong airline while simultaneously pursuing his master's degree.
Picture of Panel 2, from left to right:
Kaka Peng, Frank Zhuang, Jacqueline Yang,
Eric Tang and Wilson Wu
Together, the group of second panelists shared more about their personal experiences. They discussed the importance of internships and networking, as well as the development of skills during undergraduate studies. They also explained what led them to pursue a master’s degree, who should consider this path, and what the application and acceptance process is like.
Following the panels, the alumni and Year 11 students gathered in the dining hall for ‘College Regionals’. During this segment, the dining hall was divided into sections, each representing a prominent region known for its universities. The alumni remained at the designated areas for their respective institutions, while the Year 11 students circulated through the hall, engaging with their older peers and asking questions about their experiences. This interactive format allowed students to gain perspective into different colleges and to form real connections. To conclude the day’s festivities, the alumni celebrated their reunion with a social followed by an exhilarating football game.
