WCAAD Student Jonas Ma Earned Acceptance to Columbia University

Congratulations to WCAAD student Jonas Ma for his acceptance to Columbia University!

​Additional college offers include----
UC, Berkeley；
USC School of Cinematic Arts  scholarship $16,000/yr $64, 000/4 yrs；
Otis College of Art and Design scholarship $23,000/yr $92, 000/4 yrs；
Pratt Institute scholarship $25,000/yr $100, 000/4 yrs；
California College of Art scholarship $24,000/yr $96, 000/4 yrs；
Art Center College of Design scholarship $15,000/yr $60, 000/4 yrs；
UC, Irvine scholarship $20,000/yr $80, 000/4 yrs；
Washington University，St. Louis scholarship $12,000/yr $48, 000/4 yrs；
UC, San Cruz;
University of Texas, Austin;
University of Washington;
UC, San Diego;
UC, Davis.

​Columbia University is a major private institution of higher education in New York. It is one of the Ivy League schools. Founded in 1754 as King's College, it was renamed Columbia College when it reopened in 1784 after the American Revolution. It became Columbia University in 1912.
 

​Jonas Ma has been a student at WCAAD beginning his freshman year in high school. Initially he majored in design with a concentration in concept art. Early on, Jonas demonstrated great talent and attention to the finer details Jonas spent a very a vast number of hours and dedication in art and design often passing 40+ hours This commitment catapulted him into the students you see today.

​Jonas Ma’s story really begins with his parents supporting his talent early on as a child. They saw his passion and an enthusiasm for the craft. Four years ago, his parents moved to Irvine CA. dreaming about a good future for their children but never imagining their dreams could come true. As Jonas entered the school, as an instructor, I remember thinking that he had natural abilities, but he had many bad habits. Yet there was a drive and a desire from young Jonas to better himself. He had a “never quit” attitude. During his time here at WCAAD, he experimented with sketching, drawings, paintings, figure drawing, sculptures, products, game design and installation art. 

​Jonas has grown immensely both technically and creatively. I have relied on him to be an example and lead his peers in critical discussions. His ability to engage with others in critique and the capability to discern their flaws in a constructive way, assists moving the class dynamic and individuals who greatly benefit from his interpretation and suggestions. 

​He shows care dedication and commitment to the arts and has a strong work ethic. I feel he is not afraid to take risk as he showcases his work in contest and galleries as well as having publications. His photography artwork "Sunset" was selected in the 5th Annual Skies Online Juried Art Exhibition in August 2021, an international competition for artists above eighteen. His other work: "Family War", was just selected in an online show at Laguna art gallery just this year. This work is sculpted in the blender and 3D printed for installation.

​Another piece, "Still life with Kettle" was also selected in the 2nd online international Juried Art Exhibition August 2021. Besides these competitions, he has been published in instructables.com, a website where he constructed salvaged furnishings and craft with his father to create unique coffee tables.

​Jonas is the ideal student representative, as he has taken UCLA credit courses in10th-grade. As for the academic experience, Summers were always busy and productive. In 2019 he partook in an intensive called A+ Summer high school camp at UCLA, focusing on writing, reading, and critical thinking. Instructor Courtney G. Bowman (Harvard University) thought highly of creation analysis. "I was the only one to find the correct formula for the most challenging math question among the logic puzzles regarding our logic course”. At Art Center College of Design in 11th grade he experienced concept design courses, receiving an A and high scores. At RISD, Design and Mathematic courses in 3D modeling opened the door to technologies such as blender software and game by coding. At our Academy he is well versed with Photoshop Procreate and Illustrator among others as his focus was always to master all areas.

​Additional interest include fencing for 8 years. In 2019 he placed 1st place in a tournament rating D in USA foil fencing athletes. In 10th grade Jonas organized a team at Mater Dei High School, recruiting new members and coaching them increasing participation and twice, achieving 2nd,3rd place. He completely understands the meaning of fighting, perseverance, tolerance, and cooperation. At the beginning of 10th grade, he passed all parts of referee exams and scored a referee rating of 9, both in foil and epee. 

Other activities include his high school Lacrosse Team varsity (midfielder). A member of Golubitsky Fencing Center for 8 years and MDHS club president and coach to his fencing club as well as SOCAl division USA fencing. He formulated a 3D Printing club at MDHS international club as president and founder. He has volunteered at Hoag Hospital transporting/escort patients. At Pala broad he assisted international students as well as give art direction to the founder helping with editing and graphic design when MDHS had a special game event, Jonas volunteered in the special needs booth tracking the event. In his free time, he tutors younger students with Math, History and Language (Chinese and Spanish). Finally, he is a member of Mater Dei student body (ASB member). Employments have been Baskin Robins, Unifun inc. and he has worked in Shanghai Lien engineering and design company as well as receiving the MD- Renaissance award. 

When others date and play, I immerse in my art and study”. According to his parents they really have supported Jonas and believe that a person should do what they love and their compassion to be a good person will give them success in life. A successful person should have “Motivation, Perseverance, and Determination” which most times out weight awards. They have seen his immense growth and likewise Jonas realizes their sacrifice as well.
 
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(By Omar Gallegos, WCAAD Vice Principal/Director of Education)