Beneath the dappled shade of Shanghai’s Wutong trees, Jack (BCIS Class of 2015) often walks alone. The city’s energy swirls around him, but within, he remains calm—an elegant contrast that mirrors the rhythm of his life since graduation. From visual storytelling to podcasting, and now branding, Jack has carved a path defined not by convention, but by a steadfast commitment to what he truly loves. His story is one of many among BCIS alumni—but his spirit is uniquely his own.

At BCIS, Jack founded the school’s photography club. His goal was simple: to find others who saw the world the way he did. In the beginning, the club was quiet. Few words were exchanged—until they started sharing their photographs. Slowly, connections formed. “Looking back, that imperfect little club taught me how to connect with people from different cultures,” Jack recalls. Those early interactions shaped the intercultural communication skills that continue to guide him today.

After graduating, Jack pursued a degree in finance and economics, eventually returning to Shanghai. Today, he wears several hats: co-host of a podcast, and brand manager for two emerging fashion labels. Despite the whirlwind of work, Jack finds peace in the quiet moments—wandering familiar streets, camera in hand, soaking in the ever-changing cityscape.

For Jack, beauty isn’t just visual—it’s emotional. Photography, he believes, is about capturing feeling, not just form. “It’s not about taking a picture; it’s about telling a story through an image,” he says. While he once considered becoming a professional photographer, he chose instead to keep it personal—free from the pressures of commercial work. But that same artistic attention to detail shows up everywhere—in the way he edits a podcast, builds a brand, or curates a visual identity. He strives for elegance in all things, and perfection, always.

In 2020, Jack and fellow BCIS alum Tianyu launched a podcast—an outlet born of two needs: self-expression and connection. “I always had so many thoughts,” Jack says, “but nowhere to put them.” The podcast became that space. Through honest conversations, they’ve created a community built on curiosity and shared stories.

It hasn’t all been smooth. One episode sparked strong criticism, teaching Jack the importance of staying calm in the face of pushback. “When you're doubted, you can ignore it—or engage with care. But most of all, you have to stay emotionally grounded,” he says. Other times, guests lacked openness or energy, leaving conversations flat. But as their platform grew, so did their ability to invite guests who could truly bring something meaningful to the table.

Jack doesn’t shy away from complexity. He’s had heartfelt interviews with transgender women, creators with disabilities, and others whose lives don’t fit into neat categories. These moments require deep empathy—and careful language. “You never know what might unintentionally offend,” he admits. “So we approach each guest with as much thoughtfulness and respect as we can.” It’s this trust that unlocks real, vulnerable dialogue—and it’s changed how Jack sees the world.

Jack doesn’t see his current career as a destination—but as part of a longer journey. “If it’s a hobby, I’ll give it my all. But if I want to turn it into a profession, I need the tools—the skill, the resources, the connections,” he says. That’s why he keeps exploring, learning, and building—laying the foundation for whatever comes next.

Looking back, Jack sees how far he’s come. He’s grown more articulate, more collaborative, and more confident than he ever imagined a decade ago. Through trial and error, he’s developed what he calls “methodological confidence”—the belief that even when something starts rough, one breakthrough can light the way forward. And once that spark ignites, the momentum carries him.

For Jack, the path isn’t about perfection—it’s about passion, growth, and the courage to keep going. With camera and mic in hand, he’ll continue capturing the beauty, complexity, and truth of the world around him—one frame, one voice, one story at a time.