CHAEWON IDA JOUNG

Chaewon Ida Joung is a 15-year-old student at the Shanghai American School. She was born and raised in the bustling city of Shanghai, while acquiring collegiate-level learning experiences in the United States; together, this has helped her develop an appreciation for diverse cultures and perspectives.

She is a very passionate and driven individual, with a keen interest in debating, Model United Nations (MUN), and Latin. She finds it really exciting to research and discuss topics that are important for the world. Debating has taught her how to form well-reasoned arguments and present them in a clear and concise manner. She has attended over 20 competitions just this year. In parallel, Model United Nations has taught her a great deal about diplomacy and the importance of working with others to achieve common goals. She also finds the Latin language very fascinating as it has a rich history and has influenced many modern-day languages. She especially loves the phrase, “Vincit qui se vincit”, which translates to “He conquers who conquers himself”. This reflects on her will to self-improve and persevere through obstacles. 

In addition to her academic pursuits, she also practices Taekwondo. This martial art not only helps her stay fit but also teaches her discipline and focus. She takes pride in being able to push herself to her limits and achieve her goals through hard work and dedication.

During her free time, she enjoys indulging in her hobbies which include painting, taking pictures, and watching movies. These activities help her relax and express her creativity. She also enjoys spending time with her friends and family, exploring new places, and trying new foods. In July, she had a chance to moderate a YOUNGA conference, one of the largest global festivals for impact, with youth from over 10 countries engaging. She has also participated in a research program regarding social justice at the University of Pennsylvania, discovering what it takes to achieve equity abroad. 

Looking ahead, her ultimate goal is to make the world a better place and she believes that being a leader can help her achieve that. She is always looking for opportunities to improve herself and learn new things to become a better leader. She believes that every small action counts and she tries to do her part in making a positive impact wherever she can.