Chayut Wongvichayaporn ’25, or simply P, is a senior boarding student from Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. Quiet, and sometimes elusive, P has become a beloved member of Concord Academy and has shown an incredible commitment to his passions.
His presence has been felt strongly, though only briefly by the school, as P, alongside PaPae Pipittanaban ’25, is a member of the Thai scholar program. (Returning students may remember their predecessors Ben Anantachaisophon ’24 and Vasawat Rawangwong ’24.) P only arrived in the US two months ago in August, a pivotal moment for him. Although living in Concord has been a drastically different experience, P remarked about the ease with which he integrated into the community: “For me, I didn’t expect studying abroad to be too challenging. I have been studying independently for quite a while. The biggest difference was maybe that we drove on the left side of the road in Thailand.” When asked about the biggest challenge he has faced so far, P simply joked, “I was uncomfortable for the first week because of how dry my skin was!”
P is persistent and eager to achieve his aspirations. He wishes, first and foremost, to delve into the world of biomedical engineering. While P acknowledges the inevitable challenges he will face going forward with this highly technical career, he remains adamant and embraces the difficulties, as this is truly a subject he is passionate about. One of P’s lesser-known interests is animation. “I’ve loved drawing and animation since I was very young, watching videos online, and recently trying it out for myself,” he said. This self-proclaimed “rookie” artist has shared many of his works, including original character figures, on social media and plans to continue honing his craft in the future.
On a personal note, P has brought a spirit of dynamism to school days. Sporting his iconic Windsor glasses and fanny pack, P is a force to be reckoned with on the ping-pong table. Having only recently picked up a racket, he has steadily developed table tennis into a major interest, and with it, the skills to dominate the Upper Stufac. P humbly quipped that his high level of competitiveness may not be reflected in his table tennis skills. The social aspect of the game, however, has been very rewarding to him. He reflected on his personal growth since coming to CA, “I used to spend too much time with myself, caring for myself. People are really nice here, and I can get along with [people of] all ages well.”
A resident of Phelps House, P has appreciated the boarding experience and the friends he has made. P’s dormmate Liam Owen ’25 described him as a kind and thoughtful thinker. Indeed, P’s time here at CA, whether in the classroom, common room, or behind the ping-pong table, has reflected a soft-spoken and strong-willed character. P is grateful for the CA experience he has had so far and is always open to a conversation in the hallways!