Code And Conquer

From Discovery College to Oxford Uni: Jae Won Park's journey and advice for aspiring students

“It is so much more than you see in the university prospectus,” opens Jae Won Park, who attended Discovery College from Year 1 to Year 13, and has just completed his first term at Oxford, one of the most prestigious universities in the UK.

“History is all around you,” he adds. “There are carvings in desks made centuries ago. And the names associated with each College, remind you that thi s is a place that has been attended by world leaders and captains of industry that have shaped society. It is pretty amazing!”

Jae Won is now embarking on a three-year undergraduate Computer Science course, having earned an incredible 44 points in his International Baccalaureate Diploma. DC recognised his potential early: he was awarded an academic scholarship, a programme which included a reduction in his school fees, and a mentorship from a Senior Teacher. With this support, he went on to engage in a variety of elective and extension courses, inside and outside of the school.

So how is Jae Won settling into his new home and what advice does he have for students who are looking to follow in his footsteps?

Why did you choose Oxford? “It was the nature of the Computer Science course that really stood out for me. I had some brilliant guidance from the Higher Education Team at DC who suggested that this was really important. To look for the detail and nuance in what you are studying and to make sure it aligns with your passions.

“I love the theory of computer science, and the course here is rooted in this, which has meant that my lectures and seminars have been a joy so far.”

What’s it like, living in a new country? “Living abroad is a huge shift, even greater than I had expected. There are lots of small things that are different from Hong Kong. There are no high-rise buildings here, and the rooms are far more spacious than I am used to, which is an adjustment and really liberating. Cooking for myself has been fun, though I don’t enjoy the washing and laundry as much!”

How did your school experience prepare you for all this? “DC gave me a place, a community, to grow in confidence. I joined the school in Year 1 and I felt part of a tight group of friends, and of teachers, who knew me and encouraged me. I was shy in many ways, but the school helped me to find passions in Mathematics and in Programming, through the curriculum and extracurricular opportunities.” What advice do you have for someone applying to a prestige university like Oxford? “Oxford values your passion, knowledge and interest in your chosen course. So being able to draw upon the experiences that DC of fered me, such as entering informatics programming competitions was invaluable.

“The interview itself is about the subject and the critical way in which you can think about this to solve problems. DC provided me with multiple mock interviews and constructive feedback on my answers each time, which gave me both the confidence and skills to perform when I needed.”

What does the future hold? “I think I will move back to Hong Kong when I graduate, as that has been such a happy place for me. Right now, I’m enjoying the subject so much that a career in academia and computer science research is where I see a future. This is where my passion lies, and following this has been a good approach so far, so – whilst I’m enjoying the moment – I’m already very excited about what may come next!”