Of All the Paths: Why Dana Hall in the U.S.?

Twenty years ago, I was a high school freshman with a bold dream. Deep in my heart, I believed that someday I could take on meaningful responsibility and help change the world.

That dream took me far from home—to a new country, a new language, and a completely different way of life. As a former international student, I often look back and ask myself: Was it worth leaving behind my family, my friends, and the comfort of everything I knew to immerse myself in a new culture to pursue my dream? 

Living in a place where my name was often mispronounced became a constant reminder of how different I was. Yet, 20 years later—now a first-generation immigrant who chose this path—I still reflect on those questions. I don’t have all the answers, but one thing is clear: the journey shaped me.

Today, in my role as an Admission counselor, I meet girls who carry that same dream I once held. I meet them in cities around the world: bright-eyed, curious, a little nervous, but full of potential. And now, as someone who has walked this path, I see something I didn’t fully understand back then—the quiet courage of the parents who support them.

Their bravery is rarely acknowledged. It’s not easy to send your daughter thousands of miles away in pursuit of a dream. But these parents believe in their daughters’ potential. They believe in possibility. And that belief is powerful.

When I speak with these families, I hear stories from countries near and far. The details may differ, but the heart of each story is the same: they want their daughters to grow into confident women—women who speak up, take space, and lead with courage. They want them to express themselves, even when their opinions are unpopular.

In many cultures, especially across Asia, girls are taught to be quiet, to obey, and to avoid speaking out. Expressing one’s opinions is often seen as impolite or even disrespectful. So imagine the courage it takes for a young student to step into a classroom where participation, discussion, and debate aren’t just encouraged—they're expected. It’s a brave leap into a completely different environment, far from the comfort of home and family. But because of their bold dreams, they persevere. They confront each challenge with determination, transforming discomfort into strength. They don’t just adapt—they grow. They emerge as young women who lead with purpose, uplift their communities, and inspire others to do the same.

As both a former international student in the U.S. and now an Admission counselor at Dana Hall, I’m often asked by parents what makes studying at Dana Hall so special. Many believe I understand their daughters’ journey more deeply because I’ve experienced it myself—and they’re right. I see their daughters with empathy, admiration, and an unwavering belief in their potential.

I always tell families the truth: there are many institutions in the world—including in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the U.K.—where students can study different cultures and languages, often with more comfort and familiarity. But Dana Hall offers something deeper. It’s an environment that nurtures confidence, leadership, and self-discovery.

Families choose Dana Hall because of its inclusive culture—one that is warm, welcoming, and rooted in academic rigor. It’s a school rich with opportunities and a long legacy, built by generations of girls and women who have gone on to shape the world. Dana Hall is a place where students are supported and championed by their peers and are encouraged to find their voice—even when it's unpopular.

Dana Hall believes in girls’ stories. It helps shape them, amplify them, and carry them forward. The stories that emerge from this community are not just inspiring—they are transformative. Each February, when the Admission team leads the committee meeting to share prospective students’ stories, academic strengths, and social lives with peers, we are always excited to hear about the diverse, fascinating paths these students are on. Their unique stories fuel our dedication to supporting them, and we are reminded of the weight of our responsibility to guide them as they pursue their passions and their next journey—thousands of miles away from home.

As Paulo Coelho wrote in The Alchemist, “We may not all speak the same language or come from the same background—but we all understand the power of a story.”

Families who travel thousands of miles to Dana Hall are saying, in their own way: We believe in this story.

In Dana Hall’s past.
In its present.

And most of all—in the future it creates for their daughters.