A lei that carries a wish

In high school, I took as many AP classes as possible and joined every club I could, hoping that my efforts would lead me to my dream school. To this day, I still feel so lucky that I was accepted! But hearing the feedback from my admissions officer also made me realize something — what made me stand out wasn’t my academic achievements, but my passions and interests.

Your four years in high school will go by in a flash, so I hope you enjoy every moment to the fullest and explore until you find what excites you! As you embark on this exciting journey, remember to stay true to your passions and make the most of every opportunity.

Congratulations on graduating! You’ve had to overcome a unique challenge of spending your earlier middle school years dealing with COVID, and then spending the latter portions of middle school trying to re-learn how to do everything in person again. I hope you realize how proud of yourself you should be for overcoming these situations.

Many things in life can be beyond your control, derailing your original plans and expectations. When unexpected changes occur, it is important to stay adaptable, recognizing that events are often only part of the story and your responses to them are often much more important.

As I reflect on my high school memories, it’s not the classes that first come to mind but the friendships that taught me more than any textbook could. I learned throughout college that the academic and career paths we take are important, but the people we become along the way — shaped by friendships and experiences — are what truly matter.

As you embark on your own journey, remember that graduation is just the start. It’s not only about reaching your destination but also about growing with every step you take!

Growing up in China and then transitioning to the U.S. in middle school, the biggest lesson I’ve learned was that “it never hurts to ask.” Whether it is in class, in life, or in my research journey, I have made the best out of my resources by following my heart’s desires!

Thank you for your support, and best of luck in your academic and personal journeys!

When I came back to school after COVID, I wanted to make friends, get better at English, and get in shape. I tried out for the cross country and basketball teams, but I didn’t make it. I didn’t give up, though. I tried wrestling, and finally, I got in. I even became the team captain!

Through wrestling, I got better at English and achieved a lot. From this experience, I learned to take whatever life throws at me without complaining. Every experience, good or bad, helps us grow. I hope each one of you will have a happy and special journey to the next chapter of your life.

When I first came to the States, public speaking was my biggest fear. However, I took every opportunity to practice and gradually gained confidence in delivering presentations, taking leadership roles in clubs, and even initiating projects.

When you find yourself struggling with all the classes you take, extracurricular activities, home responsibilities, or even family and friend relationships, take a deep breath. Stay true to yourself, be bold, and be brave. Today is your day to shine!

For many of you, and certainly myself as well, going into high school hits a large shuffle button on your friends and classmates around you. While it can feel like a daunting experience, don’t forget that others can feel the same way too. Remembering to always be kind to everyone is always a great first step.

You never really know if someone you met on the first day will suddenly become a friend the next day, a passionate fellow club member, or a last-minute helpline before a test. Taking a first step just by saying hi can go a long way.