Not only did TDSer Ma Tien Tai (Class 6 London) leave a strong impression with his performance of “You’re My Sunshine” on the first day of school, but he is also one of the three outstanding recipients of The Dewey Schools Ocean Park Scholarship for all four years of middle school. With exceptional academic achievements and artistic talent, what else makes Tien Tai special? Let’s explore this TDSer’s “breaking the mold” journey with Dewey!
The most powerful “mantra”: Believe in yourself
“Working hard is important. But there is something that matters even more: Believing in yourself.” This famous Harry Potter series quote inspired Tien Tai to overcome challenges and reach for his dreams. For Tien Tai, Harry Potter is a story about the magic of spells and a lesson in perseverance, courage, and fearlessness in the face of adversity. These lessons have become a great motivation for him to advance in his academic journey.
Tien Tai still recalls the surprise and happiness he felt upon receiving the notification from the school. “Impressed by the Dewey curriculum, my father researched the school’s scholarship opportunities and encouraged me to apply. It was my first time applying for a scholarship, so I was quite nervous, but my family has always been there to support and guide me during the preparation period,” Tien Tai reminisces about the days leading up to the Dewey scholarship.
Throughout his sharing, Ma Tien Tai consistently speaks of his father with pride. “Don’t be afraid of making mistakes; the more mistakes you make, the more you learn and succeed. That’s what my father often says to motivate me to embrace new opportunities,” the student shares.
The Miracle of continuous effort
In the magical world of Harry Potter, “magic” can make anything come true. In reality, Tien Tai has demonstrated that “magic” is always within the hands of each person. Through effort, determination, and self-belief, everyone can create their own “miracles” in life.
“I still remember that the essay writing and interview with the school representative were major challenges, as it was my first time going through such rounds of testing. My father helped me a lot, from guiding me on how to write the essay in English to encouraging me to study diligently. As a result, I did my best to achieve the best possible outcome.”
The Journey of unleashing personal potential at Dewey Ocean Park
Intelligence, confidence, and proactivity are the three values Tien Tai believes he has cultivated and developed more during his time at Dewey Ocean Park. The events and academic activities at the school have provided him with countless valuable experiences to test himself and push his limits.
Similar to the school’s theme, “Beyond The Blueprint: Mapping Your Own Way,” Tien Tai has consistently demonstrated resilience and confidence, continually exploring to develop himself each day. We wish TDSer Ma Tien Tai a meaningful and memorable academic journey at Dewey Ocean Park!
