Attending: The Hotchkiss School
Hometown: Shanghai, China
When Corrine talks about playing the piano, she focuses on the details. Every note matters. Even the way she touches the key can change the sound of a piece. “I think being a musician kind of taught me parts about being attentive to detail,” she says. After playing since the age of five, that attention has become part of the way she approaches much more than music.
At Rumsey, Corrine continued developing as a pianist through weekly individual lessons as well as opportunities to play during community events. She shared that the Talent Show became one of her proudest moments, giving her a chance not only to share what she had practiced, but to introduce others to something she is passionate about. “I think music is a way to connect people’s feelings,” she says.
Her attention and curiosity also showed up in the classroom, where she challenged herself through honors coursework while developing strong interests across history, biology, math, and even psychology outside of school. She became especially interested in how different subjects can connect to one another and shape her understanding of the world. “Life’s a process of constant learning,” she says. “No matter what I learn, I think it’s all going to help me one day.”
Corrine also wanted part of her Rumsey experience to be focused outward. Through Sunday community service opportunities, she enjoyed helping others while also becoming involved in the community around her. She was surprised by how many different ways there are to give back to the community and how meaningful it felt to her.
Bringing all of her commitments together required Corrine to learn how to manage her time and responsibilities after arriving from Shanghai in eighth grade. That experience broadened her idea of personal growth. She came to understand the importance of getting involved outside of the classroom and contributing to something beyond herself.
Now at Hotchkiss, Corrine looks forward to playing piano while taking on new academic challenges and exploring new subjects. The desire to contribute that shaped her Rumsey experience will continue to guide the way she learns and engages with the community around her.
