A Journey of Excellence: Wendy He's Path from Ben Lippen to Harvard and Beyond

Wendy He's academic journey at Ben Lippen began in 2011 and remembers it to be a place that fostered her intellectual curiosity and critical thinking skills. Her experiences set the stage for her subsequent achievements at prestigious universities such as the University of California Irvine (UCI), the University of Southern California (USC), and Harvard. 

Wendy's decision to attend Ben Lippen was driven by her affinity for boarding schools. Reflecting on her time as a Falcon, she fondly recalls the weekly Chinese bible studies, Winterim trips, and Spirit Week. These experiences were more than just extracurricular activities; they were integral to her personal and spiritual growth, helping her develop a well-rounded perspective.

The academic environment at Ben Lippen played a crucial role in preparing the 2015 alumna for her undergraduate studies at UCI. The school's excellent teachers and rigorous classes encouraged her to think critically about course content. This foundational skill proved invaluable as she navigated the challenging coursework in her undergraduate years.

Wendy's academic journey is marked by numerous accolades and hands-on research experiences. She received multiple Dean’s Awards at both UCI and USC and the prestigious Provost Award from USC, which is granted to graduating seniors with the highest scholarship average among all undergraduate transfer students.

In addition to her academic achievements, Wendy was actively involved in research labs. Her hands-on experiences ranged from conducting experimental studies using randomized control trials to examining the impact of facial muscle manipulation on pain tolerance. She also facilitated a study on the impact of professional training for teachers on elementary students' academic outcomes in rural China.

Wendy’s passion for theoretical research and its practical applications led her to pursue a Master’s degree at Harvard. There, she worked on projects with real-world impact, such as helping English language learners (ELLs) succeed in a local high school. However, her most profound experience was her introduction to Social Identity Theory. This theory, which provides a foundation for understanding intergroup relations, inspired her to delve deeper into social psychology and its applications in addressing social issues like racism.

At Claremont Graduate University, Wendy chose to specialize in social psychology, driven by her interest in the linguistic aspects of social groups. Her current research examines the impact of self-uncertainty on the evaluation of linguistic group members. She explores how people perceive or evaluate outgroup members who adapt to the ingroup’s linguistic style, such as a British person adopting an American accent.

Wendy attributes much of her development and success to the support from her teachers and house parents, Tim and Connie Lewis. They believed in her and encouraged her, even when she doubted herself. The safe and supportive environment at Ben Lippen allowed her to explore American culture while celebrating her own, helping her navigate the challenges of being an international student.

Wendy’s international background has profoundly influenced her approach to social psychology. Her experiences fueled her curiosity about the psychological aspects of social conflicts and potential ways to mitigate them. This curiosity ultimately guided her towards a career in social psychology, where she aims to contribute to understanding and reducing intergroup conflicts.

Wendy’s short-term goal is to complete her Ph.D. and continue her work as a psychological researcher. In the long term, she aspires to make significant contributions to the field of social psychology, particularly in understanding and improving intergroup relations.

Wendy advises current Ben Lippen students, especially international students, to explore and experience different classes and extracurricular activities. She emphasizes the importance of discovering areas of personal talent and interest. Rather than worrying about which college to attend or defining a career path too early, she encourages students to view high school as the beginning of an exciting journey. Pursuing a personally meaningful academic and career path has been a key driver of her success.