CHINA: CHUNG-TA “DAVID” HUANG ’20 CAMBRIDGE, MA AI & MEDICAL TECH RESEARCHER AQ ORIGINS & CONNECTION David rst learned about Aquinas through a childhood friend who moved to Rochester. It was a warm, genuine conversation with Mr. Joby Knapp during his interview that convinced David Aquinas would be the ideal place for his growth. “AQ was a bridge for me — between countries, languages, and cultures, and also between who I was at 15 and who I’m becoming now,” he says. David’s freshman basketball coach played a pivotal role in his sense of belonging. Small gestures of inclusion helped him gain con dence and feel at home. LIFE AFTER AQUINAS After attending UC San Diego, David worked on a VR environmental education platform and now pursues graduate studies at Harvard University. He works on AI-assisted imaging interfaces for medical research and AR systems for vision support, publishing in top conferences like Neurips. David attributes his success to AQ’s lessons in collaboration, perseverance, and community awareness: “Community service taught me to focus on people’s needs, not just technology.” Participation in sports, robotics, and extracurriculars gave him the foundation to thrive in multidisciplinary, high-pressure environments. CULTURE, FAITH, AND PERSPECTIVE Aquinas expanded David’s understanding of diversity and the importance of collaboration. He continues to connect with AQ alumni and values the mindset of curiosity, self-motivation, and resilience that AQ instilled. His advice to future students is: “Don’t be afraid to express yourself—in your own accent, your own style, and your own way of thinking. Try new things at AQ: sports, clubs, classes, friendships. Live in a way that makes you happy and helps you grow. Use this time to discover what you love, what you’re good at, and the kind of person you want to become. Once you nd those things, be consistent and patient with yourself. Growth takes time and Aquinas is a great place to start that journey.” HIDDEN STORY “I joined the freshman basketball team as a walk-on and, honestly, didn’t really feel like I belonged. One day, my coach asked for my real name and made sure everyone called me that. That’s how people started calling me ‘Da,’ and it made me feel seen and more at home. Throughout the season, he patiently taught, encouraged, and helped me become more involved with the team. That experience taught me how small gestures like learning someone’s real name can make a huge di erence in feeling included.” “AQ reminded me that friends, family, and the people you love matter just as much, if not more. is perspective helps me balance ambition with gratitude. I try to stay grounded: work hard, but also check in on people, stay kind, and remember that success doesn’t mean much if you lose the relationships and values that made you who you are.” FRANCE: NINA SORIN ’22 PARIS, FRANCE MEDICAL STUDENT & ADVOCATE AQ ORIGINS & CONNECTION Nina arrived at Aquinas through an exchange program from France and immediately felt welcomed. Drawn by the East Coast location, tennis opportunities, and AQ’s supportive culture, she quickly integrated into the community. The stories and photos along with the variety of classes and events promised opportunities not only to learn, but also to grow, connect, and truly experience a new culture. “Being an international student at AQ felt like nding a second home,”she says. American History with Mr. Je Page ‘90 showed her the power of perspective and dialogue, challenging her to engage with ideas critically and empathetically. She recalls, “It was fascinating to see history through the eyes of another country. I had studied American history before in France, but I had never realized how di erently the same events could be understood depending on where you learn them. Through discussions and debates, I was able to share my ideas, knowledge, and cultural background with my classmates, while also learning from theirs. It was both challenging and rewarding.” LIFE AFTER AQUINAS After graduating, Nina returned to France to pursue medical studies, beginning with PASS, a highly competitive rst year that prepares students for a major entrance exam. Fewer than 200 of the 500 students at her university advance to the second year, and Nina was among those fortunate enough to continue. She is now in her fourth year of medical school, working as a clinical student, and preparing for her second national exam in 2027, which will determine her medical specialty; she is aiming for a surgical eld. She also serves in the National Association of Medical Students, shaping medical education and student life across France. Aquinas taught her discipline, resilience, and critical thinking: “Aquinas gave me the con dence to believe in myself and the courage to step outside my comfort zone.” CULTURE, FAITH, AND PERSPECTIVE At Aquinas, Nina learned what it means to be part of a caring and generous community, where people support and uplift one another. That same spirit of compassion and dedication is with her today in the hospital, in the way colleagues collaborate, care for patients, and demonstrate resilience each day. Though the environment and stakes are higher, the underlying values remain the same—a shared commitment to kindness, service, and giving one’s best for those around you. HIDDEN STORY “One day, after my sacred scripture class with Mr. Anselm Mesue, Mr. Joby Knapp called me down to his o ce. He had prepared a small snack and joined me to watch my dad’s soccer game. It was a simple gesture, but it meant so much, it showed me that people at Aquinas truly cared about me and my family. And now, years later, Mr. Knapp actually came to France to watch my dad’s soccer game in the stadium with me! It’s true, the connections we build at Aquinas go far beyond the classroom, they last a lifetime.” “If my life since Aquinas were a photograph, it would capture a quiet moment at the hospital—standing a er a long shi , taking a deep breath before moving on to the next task. e girl who once arrived at Aquinas, uncertain but eager to learn, has grown into someone who still carries that same openness and drive, now with greater purpose and strength. In that photograph, even years later, a part of Aquinas would still be there.” 29
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTcyNDA=