News
Apr 25 2025
BCIS Alumni Story
Clad in her graduation gown, Ruoyi (Class of 2009) stood proudly at center stage, becoming the very first graduate of BCIS since its founding in 2005. That moment marked not just the conclusion of one chapter, but the beginning of an extraordinary journey. In her honor, BCIS held a special, heartfelt ceremony, bringing the entire school community together to witness this historic milestone — the first student to graduate from BCIS and step confidently into the wider world. For Ruoyi, being “Graduate No.1” was more than a title — it was the launch of a bold, cross-cultural adventure driven by dreams, courage, and perseverance.
The moment Ruoyi chose BCIS, she made a pioneering decision — one that took courage, especially at a time when international education was still in its infancy in China. That same courage helped her unlock her creativity and passion. As the only 12th-grade student that year, she received one-on-one guidance from every teacher. BCIS even held a solo graduation art exhibition just for her. The school’s philosophy and approach to learning not only taught her how to think critically but also helped her realize: it takes courage to take the first step, and only then can you truly experience the wonder of the world.
At New York University, Ruoyi carried the spirit of exploration she gained at BCIS to new heights. From her freshman year, she seized every opportunity — internships in photography, film, publishing, and even architecture. She immersed herself in real-world experiences and connected classroom learning with industry practice. “Every line on my resume is a conversation with the future,” she said. These experiences taught her that while grades matter, it’s real-world experience and cross-disciplinary exploration that shape the future.
After graduation, Ruoyi didn’t opt for a stable job. Instead, she opened a concept store in New York’s Lower East Side, featuring “Eastern Design.” The entrepreneurial journey was anything but smooth — she faced financial shortfalls, astronomical utility bills, and countless unexpected challenges. But she stood her ground and resolved each issue head-on. Thanks to the independent thinking and problem-solving skills she honed at BCIS, Ruoyi navigated every crisis with resilience and creativity.
While many of her peers chose to return to China, Ruoyi remained in New York, determined to continue what she calls her “brave game.” She understood that the city’s diverse social fabric and cultural landscape had shaped her identity, instilled her with grit, and broadened her worldview.
It was in BCIS’ Theory of Knowledge (TOK) class that Ruoyi first realized: “Truth needs to be refracted through many lenses.” This course introduced her to the power of multiple perspectives — a way of thinking that continues to define her approach to life. At NYU, she extended this spirit of intellectual freedom by taking a wide range of interdisciplinary courses — from photography and astrophysics to Italian — a natural continuation of the open curriculum she first experienced at BCIS.
Unlike many of her peers from more traditional educational systems, Ruoyi found herself more confident in expressing ideas and more open to embracing different cultures. During her time abroad, she also noticed how “Eastern culture” was often reduced to superficial symbols like dragons and phoenixes. Meanwhile, cultural identity among the younger overseas Chinese community was becoming increasingly blurred.
Ruoyi knew the rich depth of Chinese culture couldn’t be allowed to fade. In 2016, she launched a creative jewelry brand called Eastern Design, featuring pieces by up-and-coming Asian designers. Through these curated works, she hoped to share the warmth and beauty of Eastern culture with the world. “Every piece carries a story and emotion,” she explained.
She collaborated with young designers from across Asia — infusing tea ceremony patterns into earrings, and traditional ink painting aesthetics into brooches. Her store became a cultural bridge where East meets West, transforming art and tradition from distant concepts into wearable, livable, everyday expressions.
“Cultural identity can be both a vulnerability and an armor,” Ruoyi admits. In a highly competitive global landscape, she’s learned that it’s not grades that leave a lasting impact — it’s cross-cultural communication, collaborative wisdom, and an appreciation for diverse values. These qualities are exactly what BCIS instills in its students: the essence of being a true global citizen.
Reflecting on her journey, Ruoyi is certain: it was the values and vision of BCIS that gave her the courage to walk boldly between cultures without losing herself. As BCIS’ very first graduate, her story marks both a beginning and an inspiration — one that mirrors the dreams of the 550 students who have followed in her footsteps. Her experience stands as a living testament to what BCIS has cultivated over 20 years: globally minded individuals with deep cultural roots and the confidence to face the world.
