MEET FANGDAI
At CSW, Fangdai explored interests in English, math, theatre, and fine arts. While here, she played the flute and keyboard, and was a teaching assistant for math. She loved boarding at CSW for the after-hours access to facilities and teachers, the chance to spend time in Boston and Harvard Square, and the strong sense of community. Fangdai is still in touch with Jane Moulding, head of school, as well as her advisor, and many teachers and classmates. Now that she’s back in the Boston area, she feels like she’s come “home” and is still part of the CSW family.
I had an easier time adjusting to college compared to many of my peers because CSW's unique curriculum prepared me well for independent studies and small classroom settings. CSW also fostered my love for the arts and helped me become more versatile—knowledge and skills that made me a more interesting person. My leadership experience and close relationships with faculty at CSW allowed me to navigate the interpersonal aspects of college and the real world with more experience and confidence. I was used to discussion-based seminars and talking to adults about my work, and I was comfortable making choices for myself. CSW taught me to follow my heart in all life decisions, instead of simply taking a conventional path. CSW also showed me the impact of education and made me want to become a scholar and a teacher in the future.
CSW is unique in every possible way, from its curriculum to extracurricular activities, from dorm life to classroom interactions, and most importantly because of the freedom it gives to students to explore who they truly are. Because of my time at CSW, I became more confident and learned how to define myself and the life I want to live, as well as the contributions I want to make to the world. I am confident that I would not have had a similar experience anywhere else.
How did your CSW experience lead you to where you are now?
I’m doing a PhD program in comparative literature at Harvard, specializing in Modernism. The first Modernist literary works I read were for classes at CSW, and I remember feeling like it just blew my mind. I’m also teaching undergraduates at Harvard now, and I strive to establish strong relationships with them because that was something I really appreciated when I was a CSW student. Education really goes beyond the classroom, so I encourage students to come to me during my office hours, to talk to me about something in class or beyond class, or anything they’re genuinely interested in or concerned about as a young adult.
Also—although I was very shy before I came to CSW, I began practicing my public speaking skills there. As a CSW student, I realized for the first time that people were actually interested in what I was thinking, and that my learning extended far beyond textbooks and exams. I was challenged to step out of my comfort zone there. And now I’m teaching—using those skills every day.
What advice would you give future international students?
Be open. Immerse yourself in the one-of-kind CSW experience. Explore and play. You will grow in unbelievable ways!
Be open. Immerse yourself in the one-of-kind CSW experience. Explore and play. You will grow in unbelievable ways!
Grad Year: 2011
Hometown: Shanghai, China
Hometown: Shanghai, China
College: BA in Comparative Literature at Barnard College
Currently: Completing a PhD in Comparative Literature at Harvard University
CSW Admissions Office
45 Georgian Road
Weston, MA 02493
45 Georgian Road
Weston, MA 02493
781-642-8650
admissions@csw.org
admissions@csw.org
Summer Office Hours:
The CSW Admissions Office is open Monday - Thursday from 8:00 am until 4:00 pm. We are closed on Fridays through August 1.
CSW—a gender-inclusive day and boarding school for grades 9-12—is a national leader in progressive education. We live out our values of inquiry-based learning, student agency, and embracing diverse perspectives in every aspect of our student experience. Young people come to CSW to learn how to learn and then put what they learn into action—essential skills they carry into their futures as doers, makers, innovators, leaders, and exceptional humans who do meaningful work in the world.