by LGHS Alumni
1) What did you take out of your experience?2) What did you enjoy about taking a gap year?3) Is there anything you learned at LGHS that prepared you for your experiences?I answered 1&2 together, since there’s a lot of overlap. Let me know if you have any more questions1&2) While volunteering in Asia, I’ve made countless friends from around the world. Not just farmers, but writers, artists, students, engineers, carpenters, computer technicians, and others who each absolutely loved their work. In talking to dozens of people, each brought up in completely different communities, I’ve learned that the straight-line path from high school to college to the work force isn’t necessarily the only option available. By taking some time away from school to discover the world outside of the Bay Area (by actually SEEING IT), I have figured out that there’s a lot to learn about what you want to do with yourself once you’re out of high school.3) Among the teachers I’ve met at LGHS and Evergreen Valley High before that, Mr. Homa is (by far) the most eccentric one I’ve ever met. He made us rethink our assumptions about the impact of politics, tradition, education, and human nature on people around the world and constantly encouraged us to challenge and question the lessons he taught. During senior year, I got frustrated with Mr. Homa’s teaching style from time to time. However, after spending a significant amount of time abroad, I now realize the enormous worth of his lessons. I’m grateful for the open-mindedness he brought to the classroom, as well as the support and encouragement I received from all of my teachers at LGHS.
Lewis and Clark College, Portland, Oregon1. Personally, I feel like LGHS did not prepare me for collegel, although this in no way discredits the amazing work that the faculty does. I was not prepared for how grades are dependent more on exams and essays than on homework. I was fortunate enough to have solid grades in high school, but this was mainly because the homework was weighted so heavily. For this reason, first semester for many freshmen in college like myself can be a difficult transition.2. I go to a very small school. I probably see fewer people on campus on a daily basis than I did at high school. My schedule revolves first around classes and second upon the cafeteria’s hours. L&C is about a 20 minute bus ride from downtown Portland, which is a great scene for college students. My friends and I love the food carts where we get cheap Pad Thai and the local music venues that host great shows. 3. I have enjoyed meeting new people, taking classes that interest me, and living in the on-campus housing community. The best thing about college is the freedom:getting to take whatever classes you want and running your own schedule.
1)Yes, I was ready for the challenges both in and out of the classroom. I knew that the main priority is school, but the biggest transition was getting accustomed to the lifestyle and creating balances. 2)The students are very motivated. Everyone challenges themselves to do more or to do better. It’s inspiring really. UM is a competitive school, but unlike other campuses, the majority of the students aim to help each other academically. Although Michigan is a big school, the different events, groups, housing, and activities make it seem like a small campus for students to feel at home. Ann Arbor is such a blast of a college city, not to mention beautiful as well. It thrives for the students.The school camaraderie is incredible. Yes, it is bold at times, but there’s nothing quite like having a shared pride and joy with 40,000 people around you. It’s an awesome place to be.Michigan has real seasons. I’m a solar-powered person, so I feared winter. Absolutely dreaded it. However, the beauty and fun of the colorful brisk fall and cold snowy winter have me already excited for next year! Spring is coming soon and I went outside yesterday (March 9th) without my winter coat for the first time since November. I’m actually sad to see winter go, but spring is coming so vibes are up! The people here are awesome. Truly. 3)It’s a whole education in and of itself to live an entirely new state. My California pride will never fault, but I have an ever-growing passion for Michigan now, too. I have a Michigan bucket list of all the adventures I hope to do here with the people I’ve met.Outside of school, Michigan has the largest alumni in the world. If I’m wearing Michigan gear anywhere, I’ll hear a “Go Blue!” at least once during the day. Even in Spain I saw UM gear. Again, that pride is great. The Block M gives me the chills.
1)Yes LG prepared me for the transition. The combination of the AP courses I took and the advice given from teachers and graduates from years before me gave me good guidance for the transition ahead. 2)Life around campus is very nice and simple. I work on my own schedule most of the time, and I have more freedom than ever before. I live next to a huge city with endless adventures. 3)I have enjoyed learning the many things I’ve learned, from learning how to live on my own to learning in my courses about anything I could imagine.
1) The Los Gatos block schedule really helped me prepare for M,W,F and T,Th block schedules. Time and priority management is the hardest thing to adapt to, so LG helped me get a head start! 3) I’ve enjoyed the clubs and extra-curricular activities offered through the school. I’ve also had so much fun making friends and taking public transportation to visit new places in the great city of San Francisco.
1) Yes, LG has been incredibly helpful in preparing me for college. Especially with the block schedule, the transition to college was relatively smooth. 2) Dartmouth is amazing. Much like LGHS, the campus is always buzzing with activities and events. 3) I have really enjoyed my classes at Dartmouth, they’re both challenging and fun. Imagine having Mr. Burns teach every one of your classes. That’s how I feel.