Friday Feature: Jason Zhang ‘19
Jason is a senior from China in our STEAM program.
“What we see on the news at home is that people in America build their houses by themselves or repair their cars by themselves and it’s nice to have experience with that.”
Jason Zhang ’19 is a boarding student from Beijing, China. Since coming to Rabun Gap as a freshman, he has found his place in our STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) program. Jason is a member of our STEAM class and has found his niche in metalworking.
“Jason has an amazing work ethic. He is also very methodical and self-motivated,” said STEAM instructor Mr. Brian Phillips. “It has been a joy seeing him work his way from a student who had possibly never been in a shop before to one of my top metal fabricators.”
After graduation, Jason plans to study biology and pursue a career as a medical doctor.
Why did you choose to attend Rabun Gap?
I applied to several boarding school in the U.S. My first impression of Rabun Gap was its fascinating natural beauty and delightful weather.
Tell us about your experience in STEAM.
I enjoy STEAM. It’s cool playing with all the metals and stuff, and it fits with my personality well.
What we see on the news at home is that people in America build their houses by themselves or repair their cars by themselves and it’s nice to have experience with that.
What project are you currently working on in STEAM?
I have been working on the electric car as my main project for the last three years. A few years ago, we came up with a wheelbarrow hydraulic. We used to not have prompts for what we were doing in STEAM, so we thought that metal working would be fun so we started this project.
Are there any tools that you learned how to use that you hadn't worked with before?
Everything in the workshop! I had never seen them before. I use the mill the most. It’s a standing drill that I make a lot of parts with. Some parts I buy but some I make using that.
Everything in the workshop! I had never seen them before. I use the mill the most. It’s a standing drill that I make a lot of parts with. Some parts I buy but some I make using that.
What is your favorite part about being a boarding student?
I like the daily life and the routine of it. I am the kind of person that values stability over everything, and boarding life helps give me that.
What do you do in your free time?
I am a big video game guy. Any time I’m not studying is spent playing video games. I used to be a bookworm when I was younger, but I haven’t found any books in English that interest me.
What teacher has made the most impact on you?
I really like Mr. Phillips. He is very charismatic and he’s one of the main reasons why I like to be in STEAM. He’s a cool guy.
Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School
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Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School is a private, coeducational day and boarding school for grades Pre-K through 12. Centrally located between Atlanta, GA, Greenville, SC, and Asheville, NC, we prepare young people for college, career, and a lifetime of leadership and service.
