The Class of 2024 produced 39 valedictorians, and The Accolade interviewed each to reflect on their high school journeys and thoughts. This is a full version of the Q&A, of which the preview is included in our May magazine issue. Any remaining full-version Q&A will be posted in alphabetical order throughout the week in the Feature section.

Question 1: Which university have you committed to?
Answer: USC.
Question 2: What will you major in?
A: Global health.
Question 3: What was one of your most memorable experiences in high school?
A: One of the most memorable experiences in high school was senior prom. Being able to work and spend time with my friends that way was a notable experience as well. Additionally, I think being able to learn about certain things that I was really good at, so between English and math, I’m much more of a math person so learning that math is more in line with me and then figuring out what I want to do and where I want to go for college.
Question 4: How do you think beginning high school through distance learning positively or negatively impacted your high school journey?
A: I think it was positive for me because I was really scared to go to high school. So the fact that we started out virtually meant that I didn’t really have to have the pressures of trying to socially figure it out stuff. So it was just completely academic, which was better for me because it was better than if I were to go in person.
Question 5: What is your biggest regret in high school?
A: I think my biggest regret in high school was not continuing in a club. So I started a lot of clubs in freshman year and then maybe until sophomore year, but then I dropped them. I think if I continued to do clubs all the way through I would have formed much greater and deeper friendships than I have now.
Question 6: What advice about school would you give your freshman self if you were to start high school again?
A: If I was talking to my freshman self, I would let them know that there’s going to be ups and downs, but eventually, you’ll find your rhythm so you don’t have to worry that much. And sleep is important as well. So I would remind her to sleep normal 8-9 hours.
Question 7: What were some of your extracurriculars and leadership roles, if any?
A: I interned at an organization that works with disabled kids in different disabled communities. So, being able to intern there and be someone who can be trustworthy to these kids was really fun. I also had an internship in my sophomore year. I went to Africa for two months. So when I was there, I shadowed, and I was able to follow around and learn about the different health treatments, which eventually affected the major that I’m going to be.
Question 8: What class threatened your valedictorian status the most?
A: AP [Advanced Placement] Calculus BC.
Question 9: What are your career aspirations and/or activities you want to be involved in at college?
A: I am going to be majoring in global health, so I want to be able to study abroad for some years and see the different health conditions, problems and solutions that other countries have found around the world to hopefully better help the people that I end up helping.
Question 10: What would you say was the most rewarding aspect of being valedictorian?
A: I think the most rewarding aspect of being valedictorian is just being able to see on a piece of paper how much I worked hard to get that, so it’s like a symbol of how hard I worked in all the years that I’ve put in so far.
Question 11: What was your favorite class in school?
A: I think 3-D Art was my favorite class because it was the one class that helped me not think about academics too much. So it was something that I didn’t really have to worry about; it’s just a fun time to take a breather.
Question 12: Who was a mentor who helped you throughout your academic journey?
A: I think the mentor who helped me the most was a mixture of two people. So, one, I have a math tutor. He has been helping our family, so he was my sister’s math tutor, then my brother and then mine. And if I was ever unsure about a concept, he was always there to support me and figure it out, and we were able to figure it out together. And then also my dad because whenever I would feel like giving up, he was always the one who rooted for my happiness over everything.
Question 13: What is a study habit that you would recommend to someone else?
A: I would recommend that if you are going to study, take the time to do it properly. So whether it be five minutes, 10 minutes or 20 minutes, actually focus on what you’re studying for that amount of time.
Question 14: What is something you look forward to the most after graduating?
A: I look forward to making new friendships and then hopefully staying in contact with the people that I’ve met here, and hopefully returning someday because I’m going to USC, so it’s like an hour away. So for my friends who are still sophomores or juniors, I’m excited to see them continue, and I’m excited to stop by and cheer them on during their events.