Advice From the Class of 2023
- Globe Stm
- Jul 10, 2023
- 1 min read
Updated: Nov 6, 2023
This article provides invaluable advice, personal experiences, and insights into the career decision-making process, as shared by our graduating class of 2023. The content aims to inspire and guide younger students as they navigate their high school journey and prepare for their futures. Explore "Advice From the Class of 2023" to learn from those who have walked the path before you and gain a clearer perspective on what lies ahead.
From the Class of 2023, six students kindly participated in our interviews. Click the following buttons to view what the students teach us.
Maren Chamberland Subin "Essie" Lee Mau Son "Sonny" Nguyen Merrick Pannell Kayden Walker Elliot Zimmer
Maren Chamberland
Cornell University
Chemistry / Environmental Science
Academic Interest
Q: What influenced your decision in choosing your major, and what was the process you went through to make that decision?
A. I chose Chemistry with a minor in Environmental Science due to my interest in AP Chemistry and the potential for impactful research in bioproducts. After introspection, career research, and talking to experts, I found this major to align with my interests and aspirations.
Q: Additionally, what college did you choose to attend and why was it the right fit for your academic and personal goals?
A: I selected Cornell University for its interdisciplinary research programs and college town location, which is similar to my hometown in Southern Oregon. Cornell provides resources to pursue my interests and grow as a person, making it the right fit for my academic and personal goals.
Q: Where do you see yourself in the future?
A: I imagine myself returning to the West Coast after attending university and working on research projects, particularly in the outdoor-related fields.
Activities
Q: How were you engaged in high school, and what activities sparked your passion, and why?
A: I was active in various activities; as an underclassman, I participated in robotics and gained an appreciation for innovation and teamwork. In my later years, I became involved in a student-made club called Women in STEM, where I was able to explore my love for science and technology further. However, it was rowing that truly sparked my passion. Rowing allowed me to connect with others who shared my interests, and I enjoyed introducing new people to the sport.
Advice for Lowerclassmen
Q: What are some things you wish you had known as a freshman that you know now?
A: Its okay to feel uncertain about highschool or the future, just be open to new things.
Q: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in high school, and how did you overcome them?
A: Well of course the pandemic, Covid 19 made things hard plus life is just unpredictable but like I said as long as you have a open mindset your good to go. Be open to change and stay true to yourself.
Q: How have you grown or changed as a person during your time in high school?
A: I have grown and changed as a person in several ways. Firstly, high school taught me to think outside the box and explore different places, not just in Oregon (International programs). In addition, high school's challenges and rigorous coursework at St. Mary's have encouraged me to work harder.
Q: What advice would you give to underclassmen who are feeling overwhelmed or stressed?
A: One advice to underclassmen feeling overwhelmed or stressed is to work at their own pace and not feel pressured by others. Using that energy to solve the problem is essential rather than getting bogged down by stress.
Looking Back on High School
Q: If you have to choose one moment throughout your high school, what would be the most memorable moment?
A: One of my most memorable moments in high school was unexpectedly attending the annual winter award ceremony. It was a humorous event that recognized the hard work of both teachers and students. This experience showcased the diverse and unique community at St. Mary's, which I am proud to be a part of it.
Subin "Essie" Lee
Carnegie Mellon University
Engineering (Undecided)
Academics
Q: What classes did you take?
A: I took AP classes in Calculus, Physics C: Mechanics, US History, Computer Science: A, Chemistry, and Statistics.
Q: What classes would you recommend to other students?
A: I highly recommend taking AP US History. Although I am a STEM Major, as an international student, I found the class particularly interesting and informative, as it introduced me to American culture and behaviors. Though it can be challenging, I found the experience extremely valuable. I took it with Mrs. Bruins, and she made it really fun!
Activities
Q: What activities were you engaged in during high school? What were you most passionate about, and why?
A: In high school, I participated in various clubs including robotics, coding club, and speech and debate, but my primary focus was on robotics. It provided me with an opportunity to learn about engineering, develop teamwork skills and enjoy time with friends. Also, I began playing tennis in my sophomore year of high school and currently participate in the sport during the season. Although I am not particularly competitive or passionate about sports, playing tennis is enjoyable and fulfills my PE credit requirement.
Advice for Lowerclassmen
Q: Is there any advice that you would like to share with younger students?
A: My advice to younger students is two things: START EARLY and don't hesitate to ask for help. When it comes to preparing for the SAT, researching colleges, or writing essays, starting early can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed down the line. Additionally, seeking help is a sign of strength and can make your life much easier; I am a student that is bad at asking for help, so I have learned from experience the importance of it. It's okay not to know everything, and there are always people who are willing to assist you. If you ever need help, feel free to reach out to me! - I'd be happy to assist you.
Q: Is there any specific tip for college application?
A: I asked this question a lot before to my older friends, and they always say “Be yourself.” It is definitely cliche to say this, but this is one piece of advice from me. “Show who you are as a person.”
Looking Back on High School
Q: Is there any meaningful moment in your high school life?
A: I appreciate every moment with my friends. Those moments truly helped me to survive through my tough high school time.
Q: What are you most proud of in your high school career?
A: I am most proud of my willingness to step out of my comfort zone during high school. Despite facing challenges and discomfort, I pushed myself to try new clubs, activities, and challenging classes that ultimately helped me grow both personally and academically.
Mau Son "Sonny" Nguyen
Arizona State University
Computer Science
Academic Interest
Q: What influenced your decision in choosing your major, and what was the process you went through to make that decision?
A: My major is Computer Science. I chose it because it has a high demand, and I found myself enjoying writing and playing around with code. Also, I asked people around me who studied that specific major and found it interesting after getting an insight from them.
Q: What college did you choose to attend and why was it the right fit for your academic and personal goals?
A: will go to the Arizona State University. And I chose it for five reasons:
It is near my uncle's house, there is a big Vietnamese community, the weather, tuition was the most favorable compared to other school and the school is famous for my major.
Q: Where do you see yourself in the future?
A: I see myself being an active student in college who always seeks new opportunities whether it be a club, an internship, or a sport.
Academics
Q: What are the three classes that were really important or helpful for you?
A: They are AP Computer Science, Millionaire Maker, and AP Statistics.
Q: What classes would you recommend to other students?
A: It really depends on your interest, but I would recommend joining classes such as Millionaire Maker or Adulting because it will be helpful no matter what you want to become.
Activities
Q: What activities were you engaged in during high school?
A: I join several clubs and lead own club, the Finance Club. I also played several sports such as football, baseball, basketball and volleyball.
Q: What were you most passionate about, and why?
A: I am most passionate about playing basketball, as it is my main way to relax.
Advice for Lowerclassmen
Q: What are some things you wish you had known as a freshman that you know now?
A: Seeking extracurricular activities is important. Having enough daily sleep is also extremely important and beneficial. Just be open-minded to new activities and opportunities.
Q: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in high school, and how did you overcome them?
A: I would not say it is a high school challenge, but more a studying abroad challenge. When moving to a new country, I faced so many challenges, and it is important for you to seek the right person for help.
Q: How have you grown or changed as a person during your time in high school?
A: Trying different activities has helped sharpen my social skills in specific and my personal growth overall.
Q: What advice would you give to underclassmen who are feeling overwhelmed or stressed?
A: Just don’t think and keep moving.
Looking Back on High School
Q: If you have to choose one moment throughout your high school, what would be the most memorable moment?
A: I would choose the beginning of my Junior year when I had just made the transition from Vietnam to the United States. I experienced culture shock, found it hard to make friends, and missed my old lifestyle.
Merrick Pannell
Washington University in St. Louis
Philosophy-Neuroscience-Psychology (PNP)
Academic Interest
Q: What influenced your decision in choosing your major, and what was the process you went through to make that decision?
A: My major is Philosophy-Neuroscience-Psychology (PNP) and I chose it because it combines all the subjects I am interested in. And because I don’t know what I want to do in the future yet it gives me a wide scope that I can later narrow.
I looked at the specific majors that my school provided within an area. I was interested in psychology and education so I found all the majors in those areas and went from there.
Q: What college did you choose to attend and why was it the right fit for your academic and personal goals?
A: I am attending Washington University in St. Louis (WashU). I chose it mainly because of the academics and the social environment. It has amazing classes and a 7:1 student teacher ratio which means I get support front he faculty which I really wanted. As for the social environment it is super open and welcoming and everyone seems like an intelligent and good person.
Q: Where do you see yourself in the future?
A: I would like to do something relating to therapy. I’ve recently been thinking I would like to be a family therapist. I am not sure yet though.
Academics
Q: What are the three classes that were really important or helpful for you?
A: AP Psychology, AP Seminar, and AP Art and Design
Q: What classes would you recommend to other students?
A: I love english classes. I really recommend AP Psychology its amazing and you learn a lot but it’s not too hard.
Activities
Q: What activities were you engaged in during high school? What were you most passionate about, and why?
A: I really cared about diversity club and swim team. They were great communities and the people there were great.
Advice for Lowerclassmen
Q: What are some things you wish you had known as a freshman that you know now?
A: Academic validation is overrated. You will feel pressure to know everything but you wont and that is okay. B’s and C’s are okay.
Q: What advice would you give to incoming freshmen about adjusting to high school life?
A: Every teacher is different. Learning what they care about and how they function and communicate will make your life a lot easier. Also learn the teachers you like best and work with the best and try to stick to them if you can.
Q: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in high school, and how did you overcome them?
A: In the mod system it is really hard to miss class. I get sick super often and had to miss a lot of classes and in our fast pased classes it can be really hard to catch up. It’s most helpful to just communicate with your teachers before and during and they will help you.
Kayden Walker
Oregon State University
Biochemistry
Academic Interest
Q: What influenced your decision in choosing your major, and what was the process you went through to make that decision?
A: I chose biochemistry because after taking science classes at St Mary’s, Ms. Lovett really developed my love for chemistry. This year I took a biochemistry class and it really was fascinating to me learning about the body and all the different ways of metabolizing food. I kinda looked at my options of stem based majors and I was thinking of engineering for awhile but after taking some time looking at my science options I explored different fields of science engineering. Ultimately I decided on biochemistry alone.
Q: What college did you choose to attend and why was it the right fit for your academic and personal goals?
A: I am attending Oregon State University. They had a great biochemistry program, I loved the campus, and I already had spent some time in Corvallis.
Q: Where do you see yourself in the future?
A: I don’t have a picture yet for what I’ll be doing occupationally, but I hope that I will be in a job that allows me to comfortably live and is what I’m passionate about.
Academics
Q: What are the three classes that were really important or helpful for you?
A: Biochemistry, AP chemistry, and AP calculus were the classes.
Q: What classes would you recommend to other students?
A: I would recommend students who are interested in stem to take any science or math class they can. I took two math classes my senior year and a variety of science classes to see which classes I really enjoyed. I never took anatomy but I would recommend it with chemistry for any student wanting to into the stem route.
Activities
Q: What activities were you engaged in during high school? What were you most passionate about, and why?
A: I did basketball, track, bowling for one year, student council, asb leadership, clubs and a job my senior year. I was very passionate about basketball and it’s always been more than just a sport for me. It was a place away from the classroom and just a time to kinda distract me from anything else going on and put me in a positive environment doing something I loved.
Advice for Lowerclassmen
Q: What are some things you wish you had known as a freshman that you know now?
A: Don’t stress about knowing what you wanna do in life and having an exact plan of how your highschool career is gonna pan out. Live in the moment and enjoy every bit because it goes by so much quicker than you ever think it will.
Q: What advice would you give to incoming freshmen about adjusting to high school life?
A: When coming into highschool and adjusting to being surrounded by so many people that might seem intimidating. Just be yourself and be nice to everyone you can. You never know who you might need later in highschool to have your back and you never know who might just need a pick me up some days.
Q: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in high school, and how did you overcome them?
A: Some of the biggest challenges I faced academically were my ap courses my junior year and making sure I managed sports as well as my academic career. The only thing I can say helped me overcome it was just putting in the work. It sounds cheesy but I really just had to bury my head in the books sometimes. I got up early in the morning to have more time each day, and dealing with after school sports made it easier when I got up early as well.
Q: How have you grown or changed as a person during your time in high school?
A: I’ve changed in ways academically, physically, and socially. I improved my work ethic in all aspects of life because of some of the struggles I faced with classes that I thought I wasn’t gonna make it through. Socially I tried to make as many connections with people as I could because I wanted to know everyone’s name and I wanted to be someone who left an impact in some way. Physically I’m a different person now in maturity and life in general than I was as an incoming freshman. I gained responsibilities, became a better friend to the people around me, and I changed so many interests.
Q: What advice would you give to underclassmen who are feeling overwhelmed or stressed?
A: No matter how stressful a class may be and how important a grade is, at the end of the day it’s one class in your life in the grand scheme of things. I think you should always strive to be the best student you can be and to give every effort you can to succeed, but it’s not worth putting yourself through so much stress over a small part of the big picture. I strived for a perfect gpa my entire highschool and I worked really hard for it, but a few bumps in the road can always be fixed. I had a couple bad classes that I had to make up for later on but I survived and not everyone can get 100% on every test they ever take, so leave yourself room for imperfection.
Looking Back on High School
Q: If you have to choose one moment throughout your high school, what would be the most memorable moment?
A: Some of my most memorable moments are outside of actual highschool and just thinking of all the memories I made with my friends, the trips I went on, and the days away from the classroom where I had really meaningful moments with the people around me. I think the Friday nights that I spent going to football games or hanging with my friends after dances or just driving around doing silly things with my friends have been some of the best moments I’ve had in highschool.
Elliot Zimmer
Oregon State University
Mechanical Engineering / Computer Science
Academic Interest
Q: What influenced your decision in choosing your major, and what was the process you went through to make that decision?
A: I am going to study Mechanical engineering and Computer science.
I love to build robots and make things. It just kinda fits me. When looking for a fit, it is really just a feeling that makes sense. You just know it’s right for you.
Q: What college did you choose to attend and why was it the right fit for your academic and personal goals?
A; I am attending Oregon State University. It’s close to home and affordable. Also, family is important to me so I feel like I have to stay close
Q: Where do you see yourself in the future?
A: Ideally making robots or work as some sort of mechatronics engineer.
Academics
Q: What are the three classes that were really important or helpful for you?
A: High level math. Even though I'm a STEM guy, English classes were still really helpful for me as they helped and allowed me to practice one of my weaker areas; English. Also, learning another language in my case, Chinese was completely different from my other classes. I enjoy the rewarding feeling when I succeed.
Q: What classes would you recommend to other students?
A: I would say: don’t choose your classes based on what looks good for colleges, instead, find what you like and pave your own path as far as you can and challenge yourself with it (for me that was multivariable calc and chinese) but it really depends on the individual.
Activities
Q: What activities were you engaged in during high school? What were you most passionate about, and why?
A: I did Robotics, Golf, and tons of clubs. Robotics I just love it so much, probably because I like solving problems. Also spending 80 hour work weeks and having food delivered to me was fun :)
Advice for Lowerclassmen
Q: What are some things you wish you had known as a freshman that you know now?
A: Just be yourself and don’t care about how you appear to others. I know its cheesy and like everyone says it, but seriously, I'm like one of the most peculiar beings and I love being myself.
Q: What advice would you give to incoming freshmen about adjusting to high school life?
A: Don’t get behind because its hard to catch up, just stay on top of your work and everything will be fine. I prefer to get as far ahead as I can so that I have buffer room to fall back on.
Q: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in high school, and how did you overcome them?
A: Mostly team related struggles in extracurriculars, apart from that, I’ve had a fairly smooth highschool experience. A huge advice of mine would be to make some GOOD friends that you can count on, are responsible, and are a good influence to you.
Q: How have you grown or changed as a person during your time in high school?
A: I would say that my highschool experience has led me to understanding myself better.
Q: What advice would you give to underclassmen who are feeling overwhelmed or stressed?
A: It will be okay. Yes, it may be a lot of work, but it won’t last forever so suck it up and get it out of the way, you will feel better.
However, if stress gets seriously too bad, it’s okay to take a break for your mind to clear thoughts and relax before returning to the grind.
Looking Back on High School
Q: If you have to choose one moment throughout your high school, what would be the most memorable moment?
A: I’m to indecisive for this… there are too many moments for me to choose just one, and they are all fantastic.
Credit:
Created by Mason Jun
Edited by Vanessa Lim
Posted by Mason Jun