3. Advent - Erfahrungen fürs Leben

Interview with Hui Xu, Ecolianer from Hangzhou, China
Hasliberg Goldern, December 11, 2024

Annette (A): How did you decide to come to Switzerland? Was it your parents’ idea?

Hui (H): It was. They knew my cousin was studying at a college in Switzerland, and they wanted me to start learning in a foreign language environment early. We looked for a boarding school in Switzerland and found the Ecole.

A: Was it hard because of the language at first?

H: Initially, it was a bit challenging, but after the first term I adapted.

A: That’s great. It must be quite a change. Let’s talk about mathematics. What does math mean to you? Have you always enjoyed it?

H: I started to like math quite early. I appreciate that it’s straightforward — if you work hard, it doesn’t “trick” you, unlike literature for example. My education placed a strong emphasis on math, and as I got better, I enjoyed it more.

A: When did you first realize you were good at math?

H: Probably around fourth or fifth grade in primary school.

A: How was your first math class here at the Ecole? Who taught you?

H: It was taught by Jackie, and she’s a good teacher. The class was engaging.

A: Do you have a favorite formula? Would you write it down for us?

H: Euler’s formula shows a fundamental relationship between important mathematical constants — e, i, pi, 1, and 0.

A: Interesting. How about the Math Olympiad? How did you decide to participate?

H: At the start of the term, there was an announcement that anyone could join the Swiss Olympiad. I checked the website and decided to give it a try. Last year, I didn’t because I felt my English wasn’t good enough, but this year I went ahead, and my teachers supported me.

A: How was the experience? Is it all online, or do you meet people in person?

H: The first round can be done online, and you’re even allowed to look things up. Before the second round, you can attend three sessions in Zurich to learn more advanced topics. Those sessions prepare you for the second round. I went to all three, and now on December 21, I’ll compete in the second round.

A: Well, good luck, and I hope you continue enjoying mathematics.

H: Thank you. Please mention that I am a normal student. I think experience and hard work are more important than getting a certain result.

A: That’s a great perspective. Thank you for sharing.

H: Of course.