MICHAELZhou

01 · 2014–NOW

Piano, without a deadline.

I began learning piano in 2014 and passed the Central Conservatory of Music Grade 9 exam in 2021. I still learn pieces I like, and listen across genres. Music is also how I take a break.

02 · 2020–2023

My first tools were written in C++.

Competitive programming introduced me to C++. In primary school, friends from informatics and I formed a small team to experiment with games. Our projects were simple, but they made me want to build things of my own.

03 · 2022–2024

From the microphone to the control desk.

I started as a school event host, then became curious about the lighting and sound desks backstage. I learned by watching the audiovisual teacher, then operating the equipment myself. From early 2023, I regularly worked backstage at assemblies, award ceremonies and school events.

04 · 2023–NOW

Making the work easier to pass on.

I designed a primary-school activity handbook in 2023 and have made presentation visuals for school events since then. In a school talk, I shared how I used technology behind the scenes. Later, I coordinated younger students as they took on lighting, sound and slides.

Recently, I have been experimenting with AI-assisted animation in After Effects.

05 · SUMMER 2025

Jordan, a friendship that stayed.

At IOAI 2025, I supported the Jordanian delegation and communicated with the team in English. We talked about computing, food and anime, and visited the Summer Palace. One teammate gave me his Jordanian scarf. We still exchange greetings on important holidays.

06 · HIGH SCHOOL

Lighting a whole production.

For 猫和狗的时间, I handled the production’s lighting myself. For Zootopia, I was one of three lighting leads. Our musical club also worked with the school’s stray-cat protection group to donate proceeds from performances and merchandise.

07 · NOW

Building beyond the exercise.

After C++, I taught myself HTML and CSS and made small websites and games. I now use AI coding tools as part of a process that starts with an idea, interface decisions and a written brief. WhenFree has been tested by a few classmates; a wider test is planned. OrbitMe is another project I’m developing.