Winston Chan
Platinum Achievement
Name: Winston Chan
School: Jesuit High School
City: Portland, OR
Abacus Level: Anzan: Dan 10 (7th grade), Abacus: Dan 8 (10th grade), Anzan Dictation: Dan 8 (11th grade), Abacus Dictation: Dan 13 (11th grade)
Length of Learning: 12 years
Contest Results: 2024 North America Calculation Contest, Grand Prix Champion, 2024 Northwest Regional (& Canada) Calculation Contest, Grand Champion, Daiichi Award, 2024 League of Soroban Education of America, Oral Dictation Contest, 1st Place, 2024 JAMS Abacus Masters, Grand Prize, 2023 All USA Calculation Contest, Grand Champion, 1st Place: Grand Prix, Comprehensive, Abacus Dictation, 2023 Northwest Regional (& Canada) Calculation Contest, Grand Champion, Daiichi Award, 2023 League of Soroban Oral Dictation Contest, 1st Place, 2023 All USA Correspondence Contest, 1st Place, Gold, 2023 JAMS Abacus Masters, 1st Place, 2022 Northwest Regional (& Canada) Calculation Contest, Grand Champion, Daiichi Award, 2022 JAMS Abacus Masters, 1st Place, 2021 All USA Calculation Contest, Grand Champion, 1st Place: Comprehensive, Abacus Dictation, Mental Dictation, 2021 Northwest Regional (& Canada) Calculation Contest, Grand Champion, Daiichi Award, 2021 League of Soroban Education of America, Oral Dictation Contest, 1st Place, 2021 All USA Correspondence Contest, 1st Place Gold, 2021 JAMS Abacus Masters, 1st Place
Scholarly Achievements: Taken 18 AP/Dual Credit/University courses in high school (4.0 UWGPA), 2024 Science Olympiad State Champion (1st time in school history), 2024 Science Olympiad National Spirit Award, 2024 Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC), 2024 AIME Qualifier, 2023 AIME Qualifier, 2023 American Regions Mathematics League (ARML) Highest Individual Team Scorer Medal, 2024 AP Scholar with Distinction, 2024-25 National Merit Scholarship semifinalist (finalist results TBA), Jesuit Departmental Award of Excellence (top 1-2%):, 2023-24: Math, Science, Computer Science, Christian Service Award, 2022-23: Math, Science, Spanish, Instrumental Band, 2021-22: Math, Science, Theology
STEM Courses: AP Calculus AB/BC, Multivariable Calculus, Discrete Math, Group Theory, Number Theory, Vectors and Matrices, Linear Algebra, Real Analysis, Analysis and Topology, AP Physics Mechanics, AP Physics Electricity and Magnetism, AP Chemistry, AP Computer Science, Data Structures
Social Achievements: 2024-25 Mayor’s Youth Advisory Board, City of Beaverton, 2024 Presidential Volunteer Service Award, Gold (250+ hours), 2024 Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice, Speaker/Presenter for National Convention in Washington, DC, Global and local advocacy work for climate, environmental, and social justice., Piano Syllabus X with Distinction, National Catholic Band Association, Honors Jazz Band (piano), National Honor Society, Volunteering with seniors and blind/visually impaired youth, Playing piano for memory care patients, Tutoring in math and physics
Leadership: Captain - Science Olympiad, Captain - Ethics Bowl, Captain - Science Bowl, Team Captain - American Regions Mathematics League (ARML), Founder - Jesuit Physics Club, Leader - Jesuit Math Club, Leader - Asian Student Union, Senior Leadership - Jazz Band, Senior Leader - Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice, Delegate - Jesuit Global Activism Leadership Summit, Delegate - NW Ignatian Advocacy Summit
Testimonial
I started learning the abacus at the age of five. I was at a neighborhood fair when the click clack sounds of the abacus drew me in. Wide eyed and curious, I wanted to learn more. Little did I know this would be the beginning of my 12 year abacus journey.
Within the first two years, I became quite proficient with the abacus, yet I continued consistently practicing until the end of my high school career. Why? Because abacus taught me patience and resilience. It’s not about the win, but rather getting back up after each fall. The falls are where you will learn the most from. Practicing the abacus and taking exams, one after another, developed my sense of discipline and focus. Abacus learning has given me confidence in all aspects of myself, not just in my mental math skills.
A few words for the younger abacus students:
If you feel overwhelmed with your abacus work, the first step is to flip the paper over and just look at the first problem. Take challenges in small chunks, and you’ll be surprised at the amount of progress you can make and the hardships you can overcome. This applies not only to abacus, but to any academic, athletic, or other personal goal you initially find insurmountable.
In times of struggle, remember to think of the abacus as a precious gift given to you. Think of practicing as a gift. Each class you have with your Sensei is a gift. Not everyone has the opportunity to learn this skill, so keep gratefulness in your heart. Abacus is your superpower!
And finally, as much as abacus can seem individual and competitive as a sport, always remember that you must work with and lift up your abacus team. Your abacus team is your classmates, your Sensei, your family, and all the people who allow you to pursue what you do. Acknowledge and appreciate them.
I wish the best to all the students continuing on their own abacus journeys!
-Winston
