JingJing applied to be the student member on the Fremont Union High School District Board of Trustees because she felt it was a perfect job for her to apply all the experiences of leadership and teamwork that she has learned in the past and use it to make an impact.

"It’s a chance to voice any concerns of my peers and provide an optimistic but reasonable outlook as a typical 17-year-old student for the Board of Trustees. In addition, I’ll be working with the Intra District Council and pushing for a variety of projects that will hopefully bring about positive change for a student’s daily life. I want the students at all five high schools to know that high school isn’t just about grades and academics, but the experiences and memories you gain from those years as well; I hope to push for and help in the process of giving them the opportunities of making those memories. I’m very excited that I will be meeting many new faces in this upcoming year and facing new challenges."

JingJing is social manager of the Senior class council at Cupertino High and will be involved in ASB. Last year she served as the Spirit Commissioner, coordinating Homecoming and school spirit related events. She has also served on class councils and organized rallies, fundraisers, and events beneficial to her peers. She has participated in a variety of groups such as choir, National Honors Society, Red Cross Club and has been a cabin leader at Camp Campbell. She has taken psychology and business at De Anza College and will probably be heading in one of those "career" directions after high school.

JingJing's favorite quote is a short phrase by Mitch Albom that is the underlying theme of his book The Five People You Meet in Heaven. “Life is Circular,” he says. This quote strikes every time because it reminds her that every person’s stories overlaps another and our influences can always impact the lives of another person.

JingJing Xia started dancing when she was six years old — mainly part of the Chinese Folk Dance Association and has taken piano lessons for six years.

PHOTO by John Lozano