Keystone Magazine The_Keystone-07 | Page 31

Graduates Profile Academy. Amina Burslem, her Biology teacher, describes Jasmin as an “excellent” Biology student. Jasmin’s novel The Flamboyant is a moving piece of literature set against the backdrop of Fujian during the 20th century. Her novel not only weaves “For the Biology Internal Assessment, she designed together personal family histories into a work of an experiment about the bacteriostatic effect of fiction interspersed with deep reflective moments traditional Chinese medicine and tested plants such of life through vividly imagined characters, it also as honeysuckle, coptis chinensis and eight different reflects the pride she has for her hometown. kinds of traditional Chinese medicine herbs on the inhibitory effect of E. coli. If she chooses, she will be an excellent scientist some day!” Mrs. Burslem said. Jasmin’s interests in the arts are not only limited to writing. She spearheaded the marketing campaigns for Keystone’s first student-led theater production, During her junior year at the Academy, Jasmin par- Junzi, joined the performance, and coached her ticipated in the International Genetic Engineering other peers during the production process. Machine Competition (iGEM) organized by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Working Jasmin’s various interests and pursuits, from the alongside students from other schools in Beijing, sciences to the arts, are ultimately reflections of Jasmin acted as captain of the team and led her her myriad identities. From helping to establish members on a project that incorporated biosyn- Keystone’s first cross-country athletic club, to thetic methods to study mosquitos in order to coaching students in Keystone’s BRIDGE club, create a mosquito repellant that would be harmless Jasmin’s roles as student, artist, scientist, actor, to humans. and stage manager encompass her philosophy of It is not only the subject of Biology in which she has and running with that. taking advantage of everything that life has to offer thrived, however. Jasmin honed her writing skills at the Academy and found the perfect platform to share her talents. In Grade 10, she proved her Leading in Service literary prowess when she published a novel for her International Baccalaureate Personal Project. Jasmin’s genuine desire to serve and help others is She was also inspired by her other extracurricular most evident in her service-oriented roles at the pursuits such as working as a writer for the stu- Academy. As a first-time residential student, she dent-led publication The Voice, being a member empathized with students who were also living of Keystone’s Poetry Club, hosting the Education away from home for the first time. She also served Salon Series, and actively participating in the as a Dorm Proctor on her floor. Residential Life Weekend Exploration Series. “I am retired now,” Jasmin joked, “but I initially “I’ve read many books throughout my life,” Jasmin decided to become a proctor because I wanted to began, “But I never dared to write a novel of my help other students acclimate to Keystone. When own. However, it was always a passion of mine and I first arrived, the transition was a bit difficult for Keystone gave me the opportunity to share this me. Being a dorm proctor allowed me to connect with my peers. My novel is a simple story about with my peers outside of the classroom and it was my hometown in Fujian, a small town that is well a great way to involve students in the Keystone known for tourism but not for its history. It was community.” difficult for me to find resources about my town but once I did, it was a story that I had to write.” Jasmin has taken advantage of the international The Keystone Magazine 27