What have been some of your most memorable moments over the last four years at WHSAD?
The most memorable moments at this school for me have definitely been the trips I went on in my junior year. The college trips were some of the most fun and memorable trips I’ve gone on. The Cornell trip had its chaotic and super long bus ride, and the overnight college trip allowed the senior class to grow closer since it was the first time any of us had spent that much time together. Not to mention there was also the Hamilton trip which has now become my favorite play ever. There was some in school events as well, but none of those left a lasting impression on me compared to the trips we went on. Like I said earlier, the best part about the trips was not the destination but just being able to interact with so many other students outside of the school building.
What are your plans for life after high school? Why do you feel this is the best option for your at this time?
The two things that I’m currently the most interested in are martial arts and film. Next year I’m going to Brooklyn College in order to major in film. Post college, I plan on pursuing film professionally. I feel that it’s a good choice to invest so much time into it because I’ve always been interested in it, and my mom went to Brooklyn College for the same thing but never got to be a professional filmmaker. I’m not opposed to doing other things before doing filmmaking professionally, it’s just that once I’m in, I’ll stay committed to that more than anything else. Martial arts for me is a hobby but also something that has snaked its way into every part of my life. Movies, comics, video games books and really anything related to martial arts is something that I will enjoy thoroughly. So throughout my time as a filmmaker whether in or out of college, I will be pursuing martial arts with my remaining free time.
What are some words of advice you would give to younger students?
The first two years in this school are relatively easy to move through. The work is not that challenging, and there is more reasonable amount of homework compared to senior and junior year. So my main piece of advice is that future students should try stay on top of all their work during junior and senior year. At that point they will most likely be taking AP classes, and for AP’s doing the homework is actually something that should be a priority. With all the new policies added between last year and this year, I would also say that incoming students should be prepared for a much more strict environment than what I went through.
Where do you want to see yourself five, ten, and thirty years from now?
In all honesty I have no idea what life is going to be like within the next 5 years. Between all the new developments between countries and the more competitive job market, I at the very least know that life will be harder. Luckily I have a supportive family, so I know that in 30 years from now they will still support me as they are now. My hopes for the next few years are that I’m financially stable and have directed at least one movie. There’s not much else that I would want. The things I enjoy now I will enjoy later, and the things I don’t enjoy, I will also enjoy later. So I guess in the next 30 years I will also have a broader range of hobbies and things I find entertaining.
Who has been one person you’d like to thank for support, encouragement, love, etc.?
Throughout my life my mother has always been there for me, so I would like to thank her for how far I’ve come, whether it’s for school, extracurricular activities, or anything I’m a little interested in. My mother has always been ready to support me in any way she can, regardless of her own wellbeing. Even in times when she’s short in money, or sick, or tired , she’s never hesitant to support me or my three siblings. There’s truly no one I could be more grateful towards.