Alumni Profile: Catherine Zeng

As part of our 30th Anniversary Celebrations, we proudly present a new Alumni Profile series. Featuring 30 profiles from alumni across the world and across the years, this collection showcases their stories as they came to WAB and beyond.

Years have you studied at WAB？

2011-2022

What brought your family to WAB/Beijing?

I was born in Hong Kong but have lived in Beijing my entire life. When my parents and I visited WAB in Grade 2, I immediately fell in love with the school and was lucky enough to transfer here in Grade 3.

Where are you located now? 

London, United Kingdom.

What are you doing now?

Bachelor's of music for piano performance.

What's your fondest memory of WAB?

My fondest memory of WAB revolves around the weekly live performances during lunchtimes. Our school's unique design, with an open atrium and classrooms surrounding it, created an ideal environment for music to resonate throughout the building. Whether you were in the dining area or by the bamboo court, the live performances could be heard from every corner of the school. This weekly tradition, organized by our music teacher, Ms. Michelle, not only fostered a vibrant musical atmosphere but also provided students with a valuable opportunity to perform. It was a chance for us to showcase the pieces we had worked on in class, and the collective experience of hearing music during lunch made the school feel connected through the power of music.

Please share a story about how you are still making a difference today.

I continue to make a difference by blending my passions for music, education, and leadership to foster global understanding and positive change.

My journey began with founding the New Sunshine student chapter at WAB, where I led efforts from Grade 6 to Grade 12 to support Tibetan students from families affected by leukemia. Through fundraising and sponsorships, we enabled these students to pursue higher education, providing hope and opportunities for communities often overlooked.

Parallel to this, I have been diligently honing my skills as a pianist, believing in music's profound ability to inspire and connect. Music serves as a universal language, capable of transcending cultural and linguistic barriers, and has historically played a role in cultural diplomacy by promoting peace and mutual understanding.

Currently, I am applying to graduate programs outside the realm of music performance to broaden my horizons and evolve into a more impactful leader. My goal is to utilize music as a tool for cultural diplomacy, bridging divides and fostering understanding across nations. By integrating my musical passion with academic pursuits, I aspire to contribute to a more harmonious and empathetic global community.

 

If you'd like to explore more alumni stories from our 30 Alumni Profiles for 30 Years series, click here to discover more.