Ethan
New Zealand
The Architect
Cambridge
REA — Restrictive Early
Action (Non-binding)
At age twelve, Ethan’s doctors discovered a serious medical condition that forced him to give up many of the activities he loved. Suddenly, a carefree childhood became clouded by uncertainty and worry.
Searching for answers, Ethan and his father traveled to Bhutan, where a Buddhist monk introduced him to mindfulness meditation. Three simple words—“Stop. Breathe. Refocus.”—would ultimately transform the way he approached life.
When we began working with Ethan, he was already emerging as a thoughtful leader at his boarding school in England. He excelled in debate, mentorship, and community service, but what stood out most was his desire to help others through mindfulness.
Ethan developed a mindfulness program for local primary school students. The initiative eventually reached Westminster, where he was invited to address Members of Parliament about expanding mindfulness education throughout the United Kingdom.
By senior year, Ethan had been elected Head of School, becoming the first student in the school’s history from a South Asian or New Zealand background to hold the position.
Like many international students, Ethan wanted to keep his university options open. We helped him explore opportunities in both the United States and UK. Restrictive Early Action proved ideal, allowing him to apply early in the U.S. while preserving his UK options.
Together, we refined his personal essay and prepared for interviews. The results were extraordinary: a conditional offer from Cambridge, along with offers from Ivy League and elite liberal arts colleges.
In the end, Ethan chose Cambridge. His story reminds us that the best decisions often begin the same way his journey did: Stop. Breathe. Refocus.