Arina

I like to see myself as a global citizen. Having lived in Moldova, Kazakhstan, Georgia and Hong Kong, I took the chance to learn from different cultures, from their ways of teaching, studying and going about daily life. Moving around and constantly changing environment was a strong factor in building my personality, my ability to adapt and to perform well under high levels of stress. It also brought me close to all kinds of personalities and backgrounds, which taught me to be empathetic, understanding and supportive of the people around me.

My experience taught me to find an individualised approach for each student and to invoke their own curiosity, without making the lessons feel like a burden. I am extremely flexible in my teaching and can adjust to my students' pace and preferences. I always choose quality over quantity.

My discipline has been formed over years in which I was excelling academically while consistently practising sports, volunteering and doing other activities. What truly motivates me and fills me with energy is a busy, efficient and rewarding routine, as well as deep, meaningful connections with the people around me.

I come from a small Eastern European country, Moldova. At seventeen I moved alone to Georgia to take the IB curriculum at an international school, where I received a full scholarship. After that experience my horizons broadened and I decided to continue at university in Hong Kong, in aerospace engineering.

I would not be myself if I spent all my days in the library. I divide my time between academics and an active lifestyle: running, tennis, the gym and swimming, and in Hong Kong the hikes and natural sights on top of that. At university I joined the Formula Student club, where we build a real race car for student competitions. I also volunteer at events run by my university's Counseling and Wellness Center.