新少年·毕业起航｜赵子彦John：从高尔夫球场到商业赛场， 雅博少年的多元成长

As dusk fell at the closing of the I-Mart Campus Flea Market, John tallied booth settlements while confirming next week’s golf training schedule with his club advisor. His backpack held a well-worn golf glove and stacks of BPA competition survey forms. Juggling multiple tasks has defined his entire high school life.

After transferring to Grade 10 of the Sendelta Liberal Arts Program from a public school post the high school entrance exam, John went through an adjustment period. Fully English-taught courses, interactive classes and self-directed ECAs were all brand new to him.

Yet he soon realized growth at Sendelta means far more than grades. Language proficiency, business thinking, leadership, athletic skills and emotional management are all valued here. He thrived in this diverse, free environment dedicated to holistic development.

He coordinated cross-department work in the Student Union, honed business acumen in economics classes and competitions, and cultivated poise through golf. Now admitted to top public universities including UC Davis for business, he has emerged as a dynamic, thoughtful and compassionate young business talent.

In Young Talk Vol.71, we explore the diverse growth journey of 2026 graduate John Zhao from the Sendelta Liberal Arts Program.

John took up golf at 14. Playing to a 90-par standard, he has competed across 10 countries. To him, golf is more than a sport: "It teaches me to stay calm under pressure and make judgments amid uncertainty."

This composure also fuels his campus leadership. When he entered Grade 10, Sendelta only had a school golf team for experienced amateur players, leaving beginners with no proper platform to learn.

Together with his friend, John founded a golf club from scratch. They drafted applications, prepared presentation documents, connected resources, arranged venues and secured off-campus training opportunities for members.

Now the club boasts over 40 members and ranks among the most dynamic sports communities on campus. "Many see golf as an elite sport," he shares, "but I want to make it accessible and fun for everyone."

He compares running the club to managing a small business: "You need to identify demands, allocate resources wisely, and master teamwork and communication."

John’s business awareness first emerged when he worked at his father’s company in Grade Five. Yet it was business and economics courses at Sendelta that truly sparked his passion. "I once thought economics was just about making money, but now I see it as a tool to understand the world."

He put his knowledge into practice actively.

He led teams to join the Student Investment Challenge (SIC) and Wharton Global High School Investment Competition (KWHS), building investment portfolios based on ESG principles.

In the Business Professionals of America (BPA) China competition, he created a business plan themed on golf plus cultural tourism, covering market research, plan writing and project pitching.

He also led the I-Mart Campus Flea Market. Faced with insufficient booth registrations, he proposed an "8+12" profit model to win school support. The event generated 3,000 yuan in revenue and established a sustainable operating system.

"Sendelta grants me the freedom to turn textbook knowledge into real projects," he said. "Teachers never dismiss ideas as unrealistic, but always ask what support I need."

Compared with Sendelta's AP Division, the Liberal Arts Program prioritizes solid fundamentals and practical application. John’s standardized test scores improved steadily, thanks to the division’s systematic language training. Diverse test courses and real-scenario practice helped him build strong academic English skills.

Rather than focusing solely on academic difficulty, the program emphasizes true understanding and flexible application. For students transferring from public schools who are still building language skills, it offers an inclusive, supportive environment with clear goals, allowing everyone to progress at their own pace.

His leadership, time management and problem-solving skills were polished through organizing various activities.

"I suffered from insomnia due to anxiety right after transferring," he admitted. With guidance from teachers, and by relieving stress through golf and cycling, I gradually got back on track."

Sendelta respects every student’s unique growth pace. There is no uniform schedule, but tailored support. His homeroom teacher and college counselor kept close track of his well-being, helped him set priorities and encouraged him to engage in campus activities.

With such thoughtful support, he grew brave enough to try new things and take on responsibilities. In Grade 10, he worked in the Student Union’s Press Department and volunteered for art galas. Elected Vice President of the Student Union in Grade 11, he juggled AP studies, competitions, club management and school events without feeling overwhelmed — for he knew the school always stood firmly behind him.

This admission season, John received offers from top universities including UC Davis, UC Santa Barbara and Rutgers University, and he has firmly chosen to pursue business studies.

Standing at the threshold of graduation, he is no longer the boy who only focused on rote memorization back in junior high. Now he swings calmly on the golf course and presents plans clearly in project meetings.

"Sendelta has taught me that a true elite is someone who can solve problems and create value."

"I am not a purely academic student," he said. "Yet I keep moving forward steadily and striving my best on my own path, turning comprehensive capabilities into my strengths. In college, I plan to delve into economics and business management, preparing to take over the family business and grow into a responsible and professional manager."

Combining knowledge with practice and moving forward with optimism. Wish John every success as he embraces his bright future.