DASHAN
XU
"One generation plants the trees, another enjoys the shade.” This quote guides Dashan Xu, who is deeply interested in environmental science. He thinks it’s important to protect the planet for future generations while educating them about it. He is the Founder of Sustainacare, a youth-led dedicated to discovering, preserving, and distributing nature-based medical solutions.
My Story
One of the biggest lessons that Dashan learned was patience. From a young age, he was always eager to learn new things and get his hands on anything he could. But, it often ends up glossing over important topics. As he got older, he also had the opportunity to teach and tutor students younger than him. And while they may be eager to learn, Dashan realizes the importance of patience when educating yourself and others. Missing something is far worse than taking longer to complete it.
Dashan is currently taking AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Calculus BC, AP English Language and Composition, AT Psychology, AP Seminar, and AP Chinese to challenge his intellect. As an avid debater, Dashan has found success as a semifinalist at the Singapore International Schools Debate Competition. He has led multiple initiatives, such as Blue Planet Initiative, a club focused on marine conservation; Dignity for Disabilities, where he facilitated multiple teaching sessions with the girl scouts; and Science National Honor Society, where he organizes tutoring and science-related activities.
When asked about his interest in environmental studies, he first thought about the biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse which he recognized as critical factors in Earth’s changing natural systems. As he delved deeper, he found that these environmental crises led to economic disparities by disproportionately impacting poorer regions and hindered healthcare and education access. He concluded that these issues contributed further to social polarization and misinformation. This holistic perspective motivates his work to address pollution and provide sustainable solutions, bridging environmental goals with social equity.
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His initiative, Sustainacare, had designed a seven-step HEALING framework, which aims to create work in the areas of advocacy, research, incubation and community development to further our mission. The seven steps include Harness, Educate, Activate, Leverage, Innovate, Nurture and Grow.
In the future, Dashan seeks an interdisciplinary major in environmental science, where he can actively engage both inside and outside the classroom. Ultimately, Dashan wants to plant as many trees as possible for future generations to enjoy, whether physical or metaphorical.