Sijia “Jelena” ChengStudent
Lake Ridge Academy
North Ridgeville, Ohio
Photo by Ryan Herhold
After finishing middle school in Nanjing, China, I came to Lake Ridge Academy in northeast Ohio in 2019. The opportunities the school provides—to participate in independent research projects, for example—were appealing to me. And I knew Lake Ridge’s smaller size would give me the chance to develop strong connections with the teachers, an experience so unlike my middle school, which had around 500 students in each grade.
When I first arrived, I didn’t feel nervous but welcomed. Everyone said “hi,” and I quickly made friends. As a new member of the small upper school community—about 180 students—I immediately felt the support around me. The relationship between teachers and students is very strong—there’s always at least one teacher who feels more like a friend and will be there to help or just listen. And they never judge you for making mistakes, rather they encourage it as part of the learning process. The ancient Chinese proverb, “Failure is the mother of success,” is very much apparent here—if you don’t learn from your mistakes, you will never grow.
I have grown in many ways in my time so far at Lake Ridge, where I’m now in my junior year. I have learned to be a successful student, which requires integrity, trying my best, being respectful to others, and being curious about the world, as well as being dedicated to my community—in and outside of school. Serving as the treasurer for Newton House, which I’m a part of, and a student senate leader has helped me better understand and listen to others’ voices and opinions to make the school community better. For example, I am planning to make this year’s senate auction more formal and interesting, and the money we raise will help us refurbish the common area where we study.
Some of my most rewarding lessons, experiences, and friendships at Lake Ridge have come through extracurricular activities. Playing tennis and basketball helped me understand the spirit of teamwork and the saying “many hands make light work.” It’s a supportive environment; we encourage each other when we make shots and when we miss them. Being part of Model United Nations, representing Afghanistan, taught me about public speaking, an essential skill, and also helped me better understand that there are hundreds of countries that need our help—especially during the pandemic. I’m so grateful for the warm community that is Lake Ridge and its rich learning environment, research opportunities, and the kindness of its faculty and students. I’ve learned how to be a community-minded and successful student, and I’m looking forward to bringing that to bear in the global community now and after graduation.
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