David Shim ’25
Contributor
Kevin Zhai Senior Spotlight

As an avid reader and lover of culture, Kevin Zhai ’24 appreciates many traditions of his Chinese background, such as traditional fortune telling, jade appraisal, and tea and coffee making. However, if there were one thing to distinguish Zhai from the rest of his peers, it would most definitely be his enthusiasm—or rather, love—for trying new activities.
From rock climbing and boxing to boasting both parasailing and hunting licenses, he has always loved to try new sports.
“I don’t think there’s a well-known sport that I haven’t tried yet,” Zhai joked.
Zhai helps out with land management in the fall, partakes in an independent study for boxing in the winter, and rows for the crew team in the spring; however, he has also played baseball and participated in experimental drama in the years prior.
“If I had more years left, I’d love to at least attempt all the after-school activities,” he said.
Although he already has many experiences that he wishes to pursue after high school, as of right now, his main dream is to study psychology and philosophy.
“I’d love to pursue those two as an undergrad … at UChicago because it’s my dream school … and then travel to Europe for grad! Then, hopefully, I’ll end up as a psychiatrist,” Zhai said.
He ties back to his love for philosophy by hoping to go on a dream vacation to Mongolia with Ludwig Wittgenstein, an Austrian philosopher.
“I’ve only recently become a fan of him, yet I’d still love to know more about him whilst in the deep history of Mongolia,” Zhai said.
Next, when asked about his personal life, he enthusiastically elaborated on his family: his mom, dad, and his younger sister, aged 11. All of them live back in China, and he often misses them during his terms at Loomis.
“I think I miss my little sister the most, and of course my parents too. Over the next few breaks, I’d love to travel the countryside with them to celebrate graduation!”
Luckily, he enjoys spending his time doing “not weird” hobbies in his room. Whether that may be running the Poker Club with his friends and faculty, brewing coffee—his favorite activity—or hanging out with his friends and suffering in academics, he has loved his life at Loomis thus far.
“My favorite class by far would have been CL English Sem, and I disliked Ethical and Psych Principles by a large margin.”
As his years at Loomis come to an end, he hopes to form a rock band with his friends after he finishes his college applications. He looks forward to the snow, traveling Europe, and enjoying his last months on the island whilst playing his guitar.
To the students at Loomis Chaffee, he says, “Try everything: do not be afraid of doing things by yourself; wing it if you have to. Oh, and enjoy your life at Loomis.”