Zoe Z.

April 4, 2020

University of Michigan
Compassionate, Intelligent, and Beautiful Inside and Out

It was the beginning of 2019 when I first met Christine. Looking back now, she has impressed me deeply already the first time we met. 

I’m Zoe Zhang, who comes from a traditional Chinese family and is good at following rules. Hence, my entire body tensed when Christine said I look like an anime character and told me she’ll send another SAT teacher if I don’t feel comfortable working with her on our first meeting. Her straightforward language scared me but also becomes one of the things I like about her in our future student-teacher/friend relationship. When we finished the SAT/ACT, I continued with her for my college applications. She helped to give me a clear understanding for what is and is not ok for my essays. Many people tried to show me different ways to write, but I believed Christine’s way was the best. She didn’t try to sound super smart or formal. She said to just write and to be myself.

Christine to me is not only a teacher but also an intelligent human being I admire and a loyal friend I rely on. I’m proud to be her student and I love her.

(admission into SAIC, SFAI, and CCA w/ $96,000 scholarship)