Glede Wang ’19 is a current sophomore at Williston. Coming a very long way from China, she is enjoying her second year in America and is glad to be able to pursue her real passions and make an impact. She values her involvement in student activities, her crazy schedule, and always has an optimistic attitude.

Wang has been a member of the school’s student council since her freshmen year. “I was also a part of the student council at my old school,” she said. “So this is actually my fifth year doing it.” At the end of last year, she was elected sophomore class president.

Wang has a strong sense of responsibility. “I think being a representative of the student council not only means I can plan social activities and fun gatherings, but more importantly, it means that I am one of the loud speakers who has the responsibility of sharing my classmates’ opinions and making sure every single student will have their voices heard.” She continued, “In the future, I want to keep working on this and making the school a more comfortable place for students to live and study.”

Wang is also an active leader for the Pride Club. “I think our Pride Club means more than LGBT rights. It means here at Williston we accept diversity.” said Wang. “We embrace different kinds of people and ensure that everyone has equal rights. When I came to Williston last year, there were only nine members in the Pride Club, but forty people signed up this year. I’m very happy about that.”

“Right now, we are planning on inviting some local activists to speak at school. In the future, we hope more and more people can join us and become allies,” Wang told The Willistonian.

Ms. Davey, the faculty advisor for the Pride Club, has a lot to say about Wang. “Although my club experience with Glede has only been for a short time, I have already noticed how attentive she is to detail and how eager she is to educate herself and others on poignant topics related to LGBTQ+ issues around the world.”

Ms. Davey continued, “Her goal is to not only bring forth these issues, but to celebrate the many lifestyles within the LGBTQ+ spectrum. She’s caring, goal-oriented, open-minded, and extremely driven!”

Wang takes six classes at Williston and two extra classes outside the school, which gives her a full schedule. Wang explained one typical day of her life. “I usually get up at 6:00 and then go workout with my friends from 6:20 to 7:20. After that, I take a shower, memorize some vocabulary, then go to breakfast and start my school day.” She continued, “I try to finish as much of my homework as I can during the day, so I can spend my study hall reviewing or learning other things.” Wang also keeps the habit of reading. Every day from 11 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., she turns off her phone and spends her time reading. “I never stop reading,” Wang said.

Reflecting on her two year stay in America, Wang said, “I feel very happy here because I am accepted. Instead of pretending to be who I am not, I can embrace my true self.” She continued; “I really appreciate the diversity and open mindset of America. Everybody has their own freedoms and can speak their opinions. I’m grateful to be here.”

Ms. Ditkovski, the director for Williston’s performing arts, worked with Wang for the theater’s fall production. Ms. Ditkovski said Glede was “an absolute joy to have in the fall play, The Comedy of Errors. She worked incredibly hard to build the character of Balthazar.” She explained, “Most people won’t know this, but there is virtually no information in the script on who Balthazar is supposed to be. Glede came up with the wacky, slightly creepy, character you saw in the play. It took a lot of hard work on her part and loads of imagination. It was great fun to work with her on this.”

Trixie Willems ’19 is one of Wang’s best friends. “Glede is such a compassionate person,” she said.

“During the play last year, she went to most of our performances and sat in the very front row, even bringing chocolates for us.” Willems said, “I am constantly impressed by how fearless and interesting she is–she is the president of the sophomore class! But at the same time, she couldn’t figure out how to use her rice cooker and often forgets to show up to dinner until the last minute. That’s why we balance each other so well.”

“Glede is amiable, ready to learn and ready to laugh at her own mistakes.” Willems added, “She is also exceedingly quirky, and has that certain kind of personality that brings others together. I am proud to call her my friend.”