Hello, I'm Helen

I grew up in Shenzhen, China, where I attended BASIS International School before moving to the United States for high school. The transition taught me more about myself than any textbook ever could — navigating two cultures, two languages, and two very different educational philosophies.

At Emma Willard, I discovered what truly excites me: the intersection of human psychology and creative expression. In my Advanced Media Arts class, I learned that every image tells a story about how people see the world. In my conversations with my counselor about the limbic system and art, I began to see that neuroscience and creativity are two sides of the same coin.

As an ENFP with an Enneagram Type 2 personality, I'm someone who thrives on exploration, connection, and meaning. People who know me describe me as observant and detail-oriented — I notice things others might miss. I'm deeply empathetic, attuned to the emotions and pressures of those around me. And while I'm not the loudest voice in the room, I'm often the one people trust — a quiet presence with lasting influence. More a backstage supporter than a spotlight seeker, and a narrator who understands others' stories.

Outside of school, I practice Ikebana (Japanese flower arrangement) at a professor level, play piano, capture emotional moments through photography, and serve as a Wellness student representative. I'm currently working on a survey-based research project exploring the relationship between color, mood, and artistic perception — the kind of interdisciplinary work that combines my love of psychology, visual art, and human connection.