SKETCH: My Middle School Life at Harvard – Westlake

Introduction Sketch: My Middle School Life at Harvard-Westlake by Phoebe Sun offers a vivid glimpse into the transformative journey of a Chinese-American student at one of Los Angeles' most renowned schools. Born in Beijing and later moving to the United States, Phoebe recounts her experiences of cultural adaptation, academic challenges, and personal growth with heartfelt honesty. Through engaging storytelling, she shares her triumphs and trials, interwoven with her passion for art, writing, and golf. This inspiring memoir invites readers to step into the diverse world of a young artist, editor, and athlete finding her voice and place in a new country. The Author She is the dawn, here to celebrate the Sun. Phoebe Sun, a Chinese American born in 2010 in China, spent her early years in Beijing until the age of 12. She attended Peking University Elementary School and Tsinghua International School and is now a 9th-grade student at Harvard-Westlake School. Phoebe has a deep passion for painting, food, reading, writing, golf and charity. Since the age of six, she has been captivated by the art of painting. It has become a lifelong love; one she nurtures with dedication and focus. Every Saturday morning, she spends four quiet hours immersed in her craft, while also finding time to sketch and express her thoughts, feelings, and inspirations through her art during the week. Her talent and dedication were recognized in 2018 when her oil painting Mother and Child won the First Prize for Outstanding Student Artwork at Beijing’s Inaugural Multicultural Festival for Elementary and Secondary School International Students. She was the youngest recipient of this honor. In 2022, Phoebe published her personal art collection, Imagined World of Phoebe Sun. Currently, she serves as an editor and reporter for Harvard-Westlake's school magazine, The Spectrum, and is a key member of the school’s golf team.