Student Argonaut Jing Fan clearly knows the value of hard work and dedication.
Born in Beijing, China, Jing moved to the United States when she was 10 years old, speaking only Chinese. Yet in just three years – thanks to sheer hard work and determination – Jing became fluent in both English and Chinese to the extent that she now serves as a translator for visiting Chinese dignitaries.
This dedication and drive also defines Jing’s pursuit of scientific knowledge and her commitment to JASON. Since she was a young girl, astronomy and the “beauty of the galaxy” have always “mesmerized” her, and her scientific interests are “deepening and expanding as [her] experiences become more diverse.” Jing has participated in Rainforests at the Crossroads, Disappearing Wetlands, Mysteries of Earth and Mars, and now Monster Storms – and enjoys JASON because the program provides a fun, hands-on way of learning science.
Jing has been so committed to JASON that – according to teacher Polly Ricter, “she even encouraged her family to remain in Montville (rather than moving to another town nearby, which had been their intention), because the other school did not have JASON.” Currently, Jing is a 9th-grade student at Montville High School in Oakdale, CT. In her spare time, she likes to play keyboard and drums.
In her own words:
On being mesmerized by science:When I was 10 years old, I received a telescope to observe outer space and pursue my scientific interests in greater depth. Using the telescope, I saw the surface of the moon, which looked uneven, as if there were mountains. Once in a while, the moon would escape my view in the telescope, forcing me to slowly rotate the instrument. I knew the planets would be moving constantly, but that was the first time I watched it using my own eyes. I was mesmerized.
On learning English:
When I came to the United States about three years ago as a non-English speaker, I confronted many obstacles and challenges but was not afraid. I worked on English every day for at least five hours. Every night, I read ahead in our novels and labeled every word I didn’t know. Often, I stayed up late to finish the chapters and didn’t have enough sleep. But my English improved greatly, and I caught up with my class. I learned the value of working hard to reach a goal. Now that I am able to speak, read, and write both Chinese and English, I help the school translate for new students who come from China with little or no English. I also served as a translator for a Chinese principal who came to this country through an international school exchange program.
On her favorite JASON experience before Monster Storms:
My favorite JASON experience was Rainforest at the Crossroads, which I studied in 6th-grade science. A major part of the curriculum involved researching an animal in the tropical rainforest. Devouring books on the topic, I learned a great deal about the rainforest ecosystem, yet the more I learned, the more I worried. Sixty percent of the rainforests in Central America have already been destroyed. The tropical rainforests cover only seven percent of our planet, yet they contain more than half of the species on earth. And yet, people have been destroying this well-balanced system, potentially threatening earth and ourselves.
On her most memorable moment with Tim Samaras:
My most memorable moments working with Tim were the satisfaction of getting answers to a lot of my questions. I am very curious, so when information is given to me, I have a lot of questions to ask. For example, "Is there a season when tornadoes form?" And, " How do they form?" Getting answers to these questions was very exciting and satisfying for me.