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Jing Yi Sutherland

2x

Finalist

2x

Winner

General information

Hobbies & Interests

  • Archaeology
  • Cello
  • Running
  • Photography and Photo Editing
  • Music
  • Cooking
  • Mental Health
  • Environmental Science and Sustainability
  • History
  • Politics and Political Science

Reading

  • Anthropology
  • Academic
  • Science Fiction
  • Social Science
  • Politics
  • History
  • Historical
  • Romance
  • Classics

I read books multiple times a month.

Bio

I’m a Chinese-American adoptee, college student, and someone deeply passionate about understanding people—what they value, how they connect, and how they experience the world around them. After I graduate, I intend to gain experience in the legal field and apply to law school. My primary area of interest is family law. I believe law school is the right path for me because of to experience as an adoptee, and my desire to work with people, specifically families, to help,p them navigate complex and often difficult situations. I’m passionate about exploring identity, belonging, and human connection. As a Chinese adoptee, I’m drawn to stories and perspectives that challenge assumptions and highlight diversity. I’ve always been a curious individual, and I see myself as a lifelong learner—always pushing myself to understand something new. I believe my personal journey has been shaped by resilience, reflection, and a deep desire to understand both myself and others. Growing up with questions about identity and belonging has ignited my commitment to create spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued. I don't just want a career, I want to lead my life with purpose. This scholarship would not only ease the financial burden of my education but also be a step toward turning my lived experiences into meaningful change for others.

Education

Bard College

Bachelor's degree program

2021 – 2026

Majors:
  • Music

Miscellaneous

Desired degree level:
Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
Graduate schools of interest:
New York University, Columbia University in the City of New York, Boston University, Boston College, Fordham University, Syracuse University, Yeshiva University, Cornell University, Georgetown University, Albany Law School
Majors of interest:
Social Sciences, Other, Law, Legal Professions and Studies, Other, Legal Support Services, Public Policy Analysis
Desired degree modality:
In-Person
Medical school interest:
No

Career

  • Community Action Award Fellow

    Education · Bard College

    Jan 2025 – Jan 2025

  • Event Director's Assistant

    Events Services · Hildene

    Jan 2018 – Jan 2022

  • Barista/Cashier

    Food Production · Bonnet and Main Café

    Jan 2022 – Jan 2023

  • Communications Assistant

    Public Relations and Communications · Bard College

    Jan 2024 – Present

  • Summer Intern

    Civic & Social Organization · Hardscrabble Festival

    Jan 2024 – Jan 2024

  • Summer Intern

    Government Administration · Village Green Commitee

    Jan 2024 – Jan 2024

  • Summer Intern

    Political Organization · The Common Good

    Jan 2025 – Present

Miscellaneous

Dream career field:
Law Practice
Dream career goals:
To pursue a career that is in service of others
Has nursing license:
No

Future Interests

  • Advocacy
  • Politics
  • Volunteering
Audrey Sherrill & Michael D'Ambrisi Music Scholarship
Winner
My journey with music began early. I started piano at age three and transitioned to cello at age eight. Music has always been my outlet—how I express what words cannot. The cello’s voice, often said to be closest to the human voice, is resonant, unguarded, and deeply emotional. That expressive power drew me in, and over time, my connection to the instrument became a full commitment to a career in music. I was never the child who had to be reminded to practice; I practiced because I truly found joy and passion in playing. What began as childhood lessons evolved into a discipline rooted in listening, empathy, and communication. Today, I’m a dual-degree student at Bard College and the Bard Conservatory of Music, enrolled in a five-year program in music performance and anthropology. I study cello with Raman Ramakrishnan, formerly of the Daedalus Quartet and the Horszowski Trio, and previously studied with renowned pedagogue Peter Wiley. Their mentorship has helped me shape my voice as a performer and reminded me that, as musicians, we are also actors, translating the music for our audience just as actors embody their roles on stage. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote, “Music is the universal language of mankind.” I interpret this to mean that music speaks directly to our core as human beings. It bypasses linguistic and cultural boundaries, allowing us to understand one another through sound alone. Classical music, in particular, tells stories not through words, but through feeling. On a youth orchestra tour through Spain and Portugal in 2019, I played for audiences who didn’t share my language, but we understood one another in the silence after each piece. That resonance—unspoken, yet unmistakable—is the essence of Longfellow’s idea. Music makes connection possible, even across difference. As a student of both music and anthropology, I’m especially interested in the intersection between music and culture—how music reflects identity, memory, and belonging. I see my future not only on stage, but also in classrooms, community centers, and collaborative spaces where music is used as a tool for education, empathy, and healing. I want to help dismantle the notion that classical music is only for a privileged few. Whether through performance outreach, youth mentorship, or community workshops, I hope to make this art form more inclusive and accessible, especially for underrepresented audiences. As a musician, I’m not only a performer—I’m a listener, collaborator, and learner. Music has taught me how to be present, how to embrace differences, and how to meet uncertainty with curiosity. These are the same values I bring to my anthropology studies and the ones I intend to carry into my professional life. I want to use my experience not just to perform, but to invite others in—to create spaces where people can see themselves reflected in sound. The Audrey Sherrill & Michael D’Ambrisi Music Scholarship would help me continue cultivating this path without financial barriers. It would support both my technical development and my broader vision of music as a force for connection and dialogue. Music has shaped how I understand the world—and through it, I hope to help build a world that listens more deeply.
Jing Yi Sutherland Student Profile | Bold.org