Senior Spotlight: Zaifei Zheng

Scholarly Standout // Challenging himself to the highest academic standards during his high school career, Zaifei Zheng balances a life of leadership and performing arts within his clubs and musical endeavors. Senior Zaifei Zheng is nothing short of a stand-out student. Overall, Zheng is a high-achieving individual in many aspects of his life and will go far in his aspirations of becoming an oncologist. (Photo courtesy of Zaifei Zheng)

“Don’t do things for others,” Zaifei Zheng said. “I believe that accomplishments are made under self-discipline and work, not for the approval and praise from other people.” 

This was the largest lesson Zheng learned during his high school career and is the message that encompasses how he learned to treat these past four years at Coronado. By challenging himself academically in rigorous AP classes and developing his skills in the performing arts of marching band and orchestra.

Zaifei’s incredible discipline and work ethic are what have helped him to maintain a GPA of 4.95 and handle the 17 AP courses he has taken over the course of his 4 years at Coronado. In addition to this, he has received numerous academic awards, including the National First-Generation Award from The College Board, and an AP Scholar Award with distinction. Not only has Zheng worked to make good grades in high school, but is also passionate about helping others to excel academically as well. For the past 5 years, he has been a tutor at Kumon, helping students excel in their education as well. However, his plans to succeed go beyond the walls of Coronado; in fact, he has a very strategic five-year plan. 

“In five years, I see myself attending my first year at medical school,” Zheng explains. “I would have hoped to graduate from my undergrad in order to pursue my future goals of becoming an oncologist.”

Zaifei’s goals of graduating medical school are reflected through his involvement in various clubs such as Future Medical Professionals/HOSA, Mu Alpha Theta, Varsity Quiz, and Science Bowl. Currently, he has the position of Co-president for Mu Alpha Theta, and is Vice President of FMP. In addition to this, he served as a Vice-Co Chair for Blood Cancer United, and interned under Dr. So at Roseman University.

“I also received the opportunity to attend the Stanford Anesthesia Summer Institute internship,” Zheng said. “There, I learned necessary skills under high-pressure environments in simulated environments regarding medical emergencies.” 

Through this internship, Zaifei was able to connect with E-Patients and collaborate with other driven students to develop a capstone project. This gave him valuable research experience, which is what contributed to his driven mindset, helping him academically and with his extracurriculars.

“I have been most involved in my involvement in performing arts,” Zheng describes. “I have found that music is a powerful way for me to connect with others.”

Through his seven years of experience playing the flute and piccolo, Zaifei has received immense opportunities. The biggest one was being selected as a flute player for an international band ensemble that performed at the Sydney Opera House this past summer.

“This opportunity allowed me to perform with some of the most talented high school musicians around the world and gave me the chance to explore Australia,” Zaifei said.

Not only has Zaifei had international opportunities that have led him to connect with people outside the country, but he has also made a great impact on the performing arts right here at Coronado. As a member of the Orchestra, Musical Pit Orchestra, Concert Band, and the Head Drum Major for the Coronado Marching Band, he exemplifies his leadership skills and musical talent.

“From all of these activities, I have found how powerful understanding a person’s story can be.” Zheng explains, “My name ‘Zaifei’ directly translates to keep flying, therefore I always try to improve myself. I believe that there is no finish line, as we can always do more in being a better version of ourselves, so we can uplift others.”

If you take anything away from the many accomplishments of Zaifei Zheng, it should be his strong discipline, drive, and passion to help others. Whether it's through his eagerness to become an oncologist, dedication to performing arts, or leadership in his involvement in various clubs, Zaifei Zheng has kept his humility. Like Zheng, students can learn not only the value of truly going after every opportunity, but also the value of having gratitude for the support of people like teachers and friends to be the pillars who make huge impacts on the lives of people they are connected to, not the least of those being Zaifei. Although his high school career is coming to an end, he is going to keep flying, and there is no doubt that these same individuals will continue to support him through all of his endeavors.