More than ten hours a week. That’s how much time Sebastian dedicates to practising golf. 

Behind that number lies a rhythm of repeated swings—early in the morning or as the sun sets—day after day. It reflects a quiet commitment and discipline that has become a defining part of his journey. 

His hard work has paid off. In 2022, Sebastian broke 80 strokes at the Mai Yue Junior Golf Tour and went on to win the champion’s trophy in the highly competitive 7–9 age group. 

That win was more than a title—it marked the beginning of new goals and greater challenges. Over time, the golf course has become a place where he learns about himself, builds resilience, and learns how to stay calm under pressure or adapt in tough situations. 

This year, Sebastian stood on the top podium again—at both the Mai Yue Junior Golf Championship and the SSSA (Shanghai School Sports Association) Golf League. 

While he received many congratulations, he understands that the real work happened away from the spotlight: countless hours of practice, focus on technical details, and mental effort to overcome setbacks. 

He believes that the most significant progress often happens in quiet moments that go unnoticed. 

Outside of golf, Sebastian’s life is equally vibrant. He has repeatedly achieved great results in math competitions and is an active member of the school’s basketball, table tennis, and badminton teams.  

In Year 6, he ran for and was elected House Captain. 

In Year 7, he joined the Student Leadership Team and helped organise events such as Earth Day. 

He’s also a student who’s always ready to lend a hand when needed. These experiences have helped him grow, both in confidence and in how he relates to others. 

In his free time, he enjoys cooking. “It helps me relax. It's also creative. Watching chefs turn simple things into masterpieces always inspires me,” he says. He particularly enjoys making Japanese noodles and puts the same patience and attention into the process as he does on the golf course. 

Cooking is more than a hobby—it's a way for him to unwind and enjoy quality time with his family. 

His growth hasn’t come through dramatic moments or big declarations—but through consistent effort, focus, and progress that is built over time. 

If Sebastian’s journey focuses on rhythm and discipline, then Nadya’s journey resembles a quiet current – steady, reflective, and deeply grounded in purpose.  

She’s a learner who prefers to stay grounded and steady. She is not always the centre of attention, but she shows up when it matters. 

Nadya is a dedicated member of the Green Thumb initiative and a speaker at TEDx, where she delivered a calm, thoughtful message about urban gardening and sustainability. Together with her teammates Evan and Nicole, she spoke on the theme “Gardening in an Urban Jungle”, sharing insights into green spaces and environmental responsibility in the city. What surprised her was how her speech made a difference: 

“After TEDx, some students came up and said they wanted to join Green Thumb too. I think our talk might have inspired them to get involved and help protect the green spaces on campus.” 

Nadya’s interest in nature started from a young age. “I used to visit my grandparents a lot. They had a garden, and I loved helping there,” she says. 

One trip with Green Thumb to Chongming Island left a lasting impression: “We picked up rubbish and later brought the plants we had grown back to school and planted them in our garden.” 

For her, sustainability isn’t just an idea—it’s something that should be part of everyday life. 

Beyond environmental work, Nadya is often involved in school events, from Chinese Culture Week to speaking competitions, and student-led initiatives. She enjoys art class the most, and often draws in her free time to relax. 

 “I might not always be in the spotlight, but I want to be where I’m needed.” She once received the Co-ordinator Award, but what matters more to her is whether a project has made a real difference. 

Her leadership comes not from giving orders, but from showing up and doing the work. She’s someone you can rely on—someone who makes things happen quietly but effectively.   

Sebastian and Nadya’s stories don’t follow dramatic arcs, but they reflect something more important: the quiet, steady process of growth. Their influence doesn’t come from being loud or flashy—it comes from their ability to turn passion into action, and belief into responsibility.

There’s never just one kind of voice in youth. At YCIS Shanghai, students like Sebastian and Nadya show us that real growth doesn’t need to be loud. Sometimes, it’s the quietest moments that carry the most lasting impact.