What academic clubs/activities did you participate in?

• • • • • • I participated in a lot of clubs: I was the President of NHS and President of Mu Alpha Theta my senior year, I was the Lead Coordinator for running Day of Service this year as well as last year, I heavily participated in FBLA, International Thespian Society (theatre), Book Battle, and Psi Alpha. 

Which was your favorite activity to participate in?

• • • • • • It is hard to pick a favorite, as all the clubs have given me some of my most treasured memories and friendships. If I were to pick one that has given me the most, it would have to be theatre. I worked in many different positions, including Properties Lead and Assistant Stage Manager, and over the course of the five years that I’ve been in theatre, I’ve found some of my closest friends. There is a support system present in our community unlike any other. We lift each other’s spirits and encourage each other constantly. I’ve found it to be one of the rarest things that I’m grateful for.

What was your favorite AP/honors class?

• My favorite AP class is probably AP Psychology. It’s absolutely fascinating to study human behavior and why we behave the way that we do, and cognition, biology, etc. play a role in all of it. When people experience disorders or act out of the norm, a lot of the time it can be traced back to the brain, and being a biology nerd, I love learning about that aspect.

How much time per week would you estimate you spent on academic work?

• Outside of school, I spend roughly 50 hours a week on academic work. It fluctuates depending on whether it’s testing season.

What was the most challenging part of taking on so many advanced classes and academic activities?

• The most challenging part of taking on so many advanced classes and activities has to be time management. It can get extremely exhausting to juggle all of these, and you’ll frequently have to prioritize your work. For example, if I have quite a bit of homework due or a test the next day at school, I would have to choose studying over staying after for a club I enjoy. With enough order and organization, though, it’s possible!

How did you stay motivated?

• I have always been a person with a plan. I have an outline of my next few years of life mapped out, a dream job I have to achieve. My aspiration in life is to go to med school and become a healthcare professional, like those on the front lines today during this pandemic. My motivation came from the knowledge that if I always challenged myself to be better than I was yesterday, I’d be able to eventually achieve this dream and save lives in the future. 

Who is your biggest role model?

• My biggest role model is my father, for sure. I am very much like him, in the sense that he also loves having a plan for the future. He’s always wanted the best for me and cultivated ambition in me, completely believing that I have the potential to achieve all of my dreams. He’s the best support system one could ask for, and his belief in my potential drives me.

Have you won any scholarly awards?

• I have won a few scholarly awards, including the National Merit Commended Award, The Smith College Book Award, the AP Scholar with Distinction, and many other FBLA, ITS, and departmental awards. 

Why is school important to you?

• School is extremely important to me because it is my stepping stone that allows me to learn and grow. I’m grateful for this incredible resource that not only gives me the opportunity to explore my interests but allows me to form stronger connections with peers like me. Many kids out there don’t get access to school, and I think it’s the responsibility of those who do have these opportunities to one day give back and help as many kids as possible explore their dreams, as well. 

Do you plan to continue some of the academic clubs/activities in college?

• I definitely plan to continue participating in similar clubs and activities in college, especially theatre and perhaps some form of student government. I know that college is even more work- especially since there are GPA requirements to uphold to be part of programs such as Med Scholars- so I’m grateful that I’ve gotten the opportunity in high school to learn how to time manage and keep my grades up at the same time.