SNAPSHOTS

Favorite karaoke song to sing out loud: “When I was your man” by Bruno Mars

What breakfast would you eat for the rest of your life?: Avocado toast with a fried egg on top

Where would you live if you could choose anywhere in the multiverse?: Oregon

If Hollywood were to make a movie of your life, who would play yourself and your love interest: Sandra Oh, and for love interest, Ki Hong Lee

If it was the end of the world, what would be the first thing you would do?: Go to In-N-Out

ZOOMING IN

Q: What college will you attend? What is your intended major and why that major?

A: “I’m going to be attending UT Austin this fall, majoring in biology on a pre-med track. I chose biology because it’s a diverse pathway that you can learn basic science concepts. I am passionate about science, but also helping others, and I think biology is a good way to expand my options of what I can achieve in the future.” 

Q: What extracurriculars have you been involved in throughout high school?

A: “Varsity soccer since freshman year. It’s been one of my favorite parts of high school, making relationships with my teammates and being able to play with my best friends. I’m also president of Interact Club. Having a good group of members and officers to work with while doing community service together has been fun. I’m also president of the National Honors Society this year. We did a lot of things together like the thrift store, and we had a lot of fun in general. I led the High Five Initiative on the side. I’ve also taken classes at TECC West, and this year, I was able to shadow doctors through clinical rotations and in different hospital settings. That was the highlight of my year too.” 

Q: What was the most challenging aspect about balancing extracurriculars and academics?

A: “Getting overwhelmed easily with a lot of things going on, when there’s a lot of events while also having to do homework in one night and going to a game the next day. It was easy to get overwhelmed, but I think staying organized and reaching out for help around you is a big part of overcoming that stress.”

Q: What class was the most challenging for you? Why?

A: “It was pre-calc honors last year with Mrs. Chiles. I’ve never been as challenged in a math course in my life. Mrs. Chiles was a great teacher, and she taught me how to create good study habits, to work for your grade and to take initiative for your own learning. Even though it was really hard, it taught me the most.”

Q: Who has helped you the most throughout these last four years? How have they helped you?

A: “My best friends. They’re always a positive part of my day, and I wouldn’t be able to handle school without them. I think they’ve made me a better person and encouraged me to always do my best, but also not be afraid to make fun of each other, jokingly, of course.” 

Q: What has been the most memorable part of high school?

A: “Definitely meeting new people and growing together has been something I’ll miss about high school. You haven’t met a person until you really interact with them, and I think being able to connect with people with the same similarities is something cool to me, and it’s a big part of making the most out of my high school experience.”

Q: What advice would you give to your freshman self?

A: “Everything is always going to be OK. Everything turns out the way it’s supposed to; focus on yourself and always do what’s best for you. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and always have fun in the process.”

Q: What are you most excited about regarding college?

A: “The independence of it, being able to have my own space and grow as a person. I’m really excited to see my own maturity and growth with new courses, but also the experiences I will have is what I’m most excited for.”

Q: Where do you hope to see yourself in 10 years?

A: “I hope to be in medical school by then. I know it’s really challenging because, eventually, I want to pursue a career in medicine. I’ll be entering that stage of medical school, transitioning and finding what I’m actually passionate about doing, and seeing myself happy is my main goal in 10 years.”

Q: What would you change about your high school experience?

A: “Worrying too much. When you’re experiencing your classes, all the extracurriculars, the stress, it’s easy to forget about the bigger picture and that everything is always OK. Not worrying about how things will turn out as long as you’re focused and surrounded by good people.”