Life is Service: Vicky’s Journey from DCB to Cornell
It’s not every day you meet someone who embodies the spirit of service as naturally and wholeheartedly as our Class of 2025 Vicky M. For Vicky, service isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a guiding principle, woven through every facet of her school life. Over her 11 years at DCB, Vicky has cultivated a legacy grounded in empathy, mentorship, and purposeful leadership—always with a genuine desire to uplift those around her.
Now preparing to join Cornell University’s world-renowned School of Hotel Administration—the only Ivy League programme of its kind —Vicky reflects on the moments that led her here, from when she first joined in Year 3 welcomed by the DCB mascot lion all the way until today. From launching student support initiatives to mentoring peers on and off the badminton court, her journey is a testament to the power of leading with compassion and intention.
From Year 3 to Year 13: Finding Her Place at DCB
When asked about her earliest memories of DCB, Vicky nostalgically recalled the friendly and inviting atmosphere and the warm welcome by the DCB mascot lion when she first stepped on campus. She also finds herself constantly surrounded by a diverse community with different cultures and ideas.
Over the years, that welcoming atmosphere became a foundation for growth—not just academically, but as a person. Her passions are varied: a lifelong love of performing arts that began at age 4 that eventually blossomed into a love for classical Chinese dance and K-pop choreography, a regular spot on the badminton court, a quiet desire to challenge herself when it came to her academic passions, and a growing understanding of the value of service, not just for others but for herself as well.
How School Shaped the Bigger Picture
As a Student Support Service Prefect, Vicky found a deeper calling. She explained, “I was able to develop the ability to anticipate and meet the needs of others—skills that are essential in the hospitality industry. It really allowed me to see the meaning behind “Life is service”- a quote by E. M. Statler from Cornell’s hotel school.”
From co-creating the Ask Me Anything” platform to launching a competition website for academic and wellbeing guidance, she took initiative where she once sought support. “I wanted to provide this kind of guidance I once wished for myself.”
Mentoring younger students also extended onto the badminton court. “Whilst we were playing badminton, lots of them came to ask me about IB, subject choices, and future opportunities,” she shared. It was this peer-to-peer connection that led her to realise how leadership and mentorship could bridge the knowledge gap between year groups.
2023-2024 Senior School Prefects
Outside of school, she took her leadership to new heights as Vice President of the Business Professionals of America (BPA) Student Council for China. Supporting more than 4,000 students across the country, Vicky hosted national panels, ran case study sessions, and mentored peers preparing for competitive rounds. “I applied my leadership skills developed in DCB to a broader community,” she said.
These experiences culminated in a standout moment: placing Global Top 3 in the international division of the BPA global round in Chicago. Her chosen event? Business Law and Ethics. “It pushed me beyond textbook knowledge,” Vicky said. “I understood business through a deeper lens. I always thought of business as being limited to just finance or entrepreneurship, but these experiences opened the doors for me to step into a more complex world of business.”
From DCB to Cornell: A Clear Vision
It wasn’t just the curriculum or competitions that inspired Vicky’s path to university. Summer courses at Cornell University confirmed it was the place for her. “Cornell offers this with its eight undergraduate colleges with more than 100 academic departments,” she explained. “I also see Cornell’s setting in Ithaca with its waterfall and lake as the perfect environment to immerse myself in my studies while being healed by the beautiful nature.”
Her decision to pursue Hotel Administration stems from a belief that service is central to human connection—and irreplaceable by AI. “I’ve always loved travelling, staying in different hotels, and seeing how service is in everywhere of our lives,” she says.
To gain practical insight, Vicky interned at cafés, building a ground-level understanding of hospitality. She also reached out to DCB alumni, including graduates from the Class of 2019, who were eager to share their own Cornell experiences. “They were eager to share their experiences and offer me support even with the 6-year gap.”
Academic Foundations and Lasting Impressions
Vicky credited the IB curriculum—and her DCB teachers—with laying the academic groundwork for success. “The rigorous IB curriculum deepened my understanding of business and economics and also trained me to think critically and analyse real-world scenarios.” She also noted how DCB’s structured environment nurtured maturity and professionalism: “It has taught me discipline, maturity, and the importance of presenting myself professionally wherever I go.”
Though she didn’t continue Art into IB, her IGCSE portfolio played a role in her university application. “The school didn’t just support my academics, it encouraged me to explore a range of interests, especially in the arts during IGCSE, playing a huge role in shaping my perspectives and the holistic side of me.”
University Applications: A Process of Reflection
Vicky began brainstorming her personal statement over the summer, ultimately developing her own strategy. “I had to stick to my own strategy that best suited me: spending 60% of time brainstorming until I got the best theme and then spending 40% on writing drafts and refining.”
Balancing IB coursework with Regular Decision applications was no small feat. “With the IB journey still far from done, we had to process the pressure of university applications along with IAs (Internal Assessments), summative, CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service)—this is something that A Level or AP students don’t get to experience or develop.”
Her advice to younger students? “Always take time to reflect on how you can differentiate yourself from others. While most competitions and leadership roles may seem similar, it’s what you make of them that truly matters. There’s no such thing as a ‘perfect essay’. I made countless refinements even at the last minute before clicking the final submission button. It’s important to recognise when to let go of yourself and trust your own work.”
Gratitude and Looking Ahead
Vicky is filled with gratitude for so many people. “I would like to thank my family and parents, all of my teachers, especially Mr Griffin, Mr Kallend, Mr Nguyen, Mr Smith, Mr Steinburg, and Ms Zhao for their guidance throughout my IB journey, and all of my loving friends (CA, CZ, JG, ML, SS, YZ, and more) for their presence and for being my #1 supporters whenever.”
She’ll miss the community and colour of DCB life—the festivals, the House events, and the space to truly be herself. But as she sets off for Cornell, she carries with her a powerful sense of purpose, shaped by a school that encourages curiosity, confidence, and compassion.
