By Michael Powell
Opinion Editor
When most high school students think of living on their own, they imagine living in college dorms and spending time with friends, independent of their parents. However, for would-be senior Adina Luo, living on her own means working full work days, paying rent and meeting new people in Beijing, China.
Luo applied for various summer internships centered around international business in February of her junior year at Costa. She was offered an internship from Peich Asia Enterprises, a venture capital firm, in May; the only caveat was that the internship was a six- month commitment in Beijing.
“The opportunity got me thinking about graduating high school early, and by that June, I was definitely committed to my new internship,” Luo said.
The process of graduating early was difficult because school administrators had never dealt with such a case on such short notice. However, the administration supported her decision and helped her receive the necessary credits to graduate.
As expected, living in Beijing is not always easy. Apart from adopting the responsibilities of someone out of college, she must also adapt to a culture and society very different from that of Manhattan Beach.
“Generally, Chinese people are so price-oriented that social graces and manners fall by the wayside,” Luo said. “Service at restaurants and stores is nowhere near as welcoming as it is in Manhattan Beach and the United States.”
Luo was forced to adapt to life away from home, which at first was very difficult. However, the biggest adjustment was the heavy censorship in China.
“What’s interesting is what is censored,” Luo said. “For example, advertisements cannot use the words ‘luxury’ and ‘premium.’ I also can’t officially access things like Facebook and Google.”
At Peich Asia, Luo’s biggest project is an independent children’s mobility social venture. The project focuses on making wheelchairs more affordable and accessible for disabled children.
“This is a social venture built on emotion and personal connection,” Luo said. “It is a great feeling to work on it. I love how these social ventures are the perfect intersection of philanthropy and business.”
Consistent with the theme, Peich’s slogan is “Make money. Do good.” It is this mind-set that, Luo believes, has made her a more open-minded person to new business practices.
Luo, who will be attending the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania in the fall, is confident that this experience will help her in the her college career and future.
“I am really happy that Adina is experiencing the opportunity of a lifetime,” senior Charley Binkow said. “I’m also very jealous that I will have to wait a few years to have similar experiences.”
Luo, despite the long work hours and new responsibilities, is looking forward to returning home and walking at graduation in June.
“The biggest highlight is definitely the people,” Luo said. “Whether I meet these people in a professional or social capacity, there are so many interesting viewpoints, cultures and personalities. I think it requires a certain mindset to uproot your life and move to Beijing.”
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