Our campus is an international community, with teachers from all over the world: the UK, the USA, Russia, and beyond. Yet, among the numerous figures, one international teacher stands out particularly.
He has been in China for 21 years, speaks Mandarin fluently, is almost the tallest among us, and can even converse in some Sichuan dialogue. He has participated in and led numerous teaching projects within the school, influencing and inspiring countless students at Cogdel Chengdu.
He is Adam P. Allen, affectionately known by his students as Teacher AA!
PART.01
A chance encounter led Adam,
an American, to become a
Sichuan son-in-law.
Adam, from the United States, has developed a Sichuan palate: he adores spicy sausage and preserved pork, raves about steamed meat, and is eager to try different Sichuan cuisines. All of this stems from a romantic encounter during his youth.
"At that time, I came to Chengdu with my classmates for a tour, and I fell in love at first sight with my wife-to-be," said Adam with a hint of shyness. To be with the woman he loved, Adam quickly arranged for his studies at West China Medical Center, Sichuan University, and built a sweet family, becoming a Sichuan son-in-law.
Living in Chengdu with his beloved Adam leads a comfortable and fulfilling life. When they had their first child, to provide a better education for the little one, Adam decided to pursue a degree in education with a Master's degree in International Education from the University of Nottingham in the UK.
"After having a child, I wanted to spend more time on education. I also have a deep love for teaching," Adam's eyes lit up as he talked about his career. This has always been his passion and a lifelong pursuit. Later, Adam joined the Cogdel School Chengdu, beginning a fulfilling and happy career journey.
Adam is leading students a campus tour
The Happiest Thing: Inspiring Every Mind
Adam's teaching experience at Cogdel School Chengdu is extensive, having served as the Middle School Supervisor, College Counselor, and now the Head of the ECC Program.
ECC stands for Extra-Curricular Course and covers four projects: STEM Exploration, AI Learning, Humanities and Arts, and Young Entrepreneurs. Teachers from various subjects, along with Adam, will lead students in exploring these fields, satisfying their boundless curiosity.
"The launch of the ECC program fills me with excitement, as it covers almost all of the students’ interests and hobbies, fully inspiring them and even guiding them towards future career paths," Adam said enthusiastically.
In Adam's teaching practice, he always encourages students to participate in various educational projects.
Because it is only through practical engagement that one can discover his/her strengths and passions. He believes that everyone is born curious, and as a teacher, one should strive to inspire every mind and help them find their passions.
"What makes me happiest is that when many students come back to visit, they tell me they are very well-adjusted to their study life abroad," Adam said. Students, while studying at Cogdel School Chengdu and inspired by various projects, discovered their academic and career interests early on. They continued to excel academically and in character in university. Some even got accepted into Harvard University for further study.
"This proves that our educational model is very successful, doesn't it?" Adam said happily.
Children exploring nature
Inspire minds, starting from childhood
What admissions officers value the most?
Adam has been part of the Cogdel School Chengdu family since 2017, for eight years now, and has mentored numerous outstanding students, many of whom have been accepted into world-renowned universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, the University of Chicago, and the University of Hong Kong.
As a former college counselor and a lecturer promoting the Syracuse University program, Adam is well-versed in the secrets of elite university admissions. In his view, beyond academic performance, admissions officers at prestigious universities also highly value students' overall qualities, as well as their critical thinking skills and reflections on future development.
Rich and colorful campus life
These soft skills are often the key factors that determine whether an applicant can stand out.
"So, merely having academic achievements and being good at rote learning won't cut it," Adam emphasized. However, at Cogdel School Chengdu, all students' interests and hobbies are embraced and encouraged. With a faculty team from around the world, the campus resembles a "mini United Nations," making it an easy place to learn and reside while respecting diverse cultures.
The collision of different cultures on campus
The inclusive and exploratory atmosphere at Cogdel School Chengdu has deeply touched Adam's son and daughter as well - his son has graduated from our school, and his daughter, Lilian Iris Allen, is currently in her first year of primary school.
Adam’s daughter Lilian
"Both of them love Cogdel School Chengdu. They feel inspired by different educational projects every day and have become very confident," Adam said with pride shining in his eyes when talking about his two children.
"I am extremely proud to be a part of Cogdel School Chengdu, and I deeply love my profession. Every corner of the campus touches me deeply," Adam expressed with a smile.
From the United States to China, from a medical student to a teacher, from youth to maturity, many significant milestones in Adam's life have occurred in China, which he has long regarded as his second hometown.
Today, seeing his students shining brightly in various fields fills his heart with relief and pride. All of this is inseparable from the fertile soil of Cogdel School Chengdu and the shared pursuit and dedication to education by every teacher and colleague.
"I hope the children can all find their own passion and become brave explorers!" Adam sent these words of encouragement to his students.
