Achille Fin is all about making the most of his many interests in his junior year at Los Gatos High School. From violin to photography, Fin is dedicated to his many passions.
One of the best examples of this dedication is Fin’s pursuit of music – through both his personal study and his time in the Los Gatos High School’s orchestra as a violinist. His musical talents stem from his experience with the piano, starting at age four, and have grown exponentially as he is constantly immersed in music. He currently finds the most joy in learning new music with his friends and enjoys the easy going atmosphere of the orchestra class.
As a prominent figure in the high school’s Photography Club, you can typically find Fin along Highway 9, hanging out with his friends and waiting to capture the perfect picture of vintage and rare cars. Fin recounted, “I started going up to Highway 9 because of its really nice roads and curves. I started taking photos of these cool cars so I can capture the moment and remember it.” Recently gifted a Canon EOS 70D, which allows him to take even more detailed photos, Fin is quickly improving upon his photography skills. He hopes to bring these skills next year as a future yearbook staff member.
Regarding his love for cars more generally, Fin finds that manual cars suit him best: “It’s indescribable, you have a lot more control over the car and working as an apprentice in a mechanic shop just gives me appreciation of the precision they use every single day.” He fondly recounted stories of learning to drive stick-shift with his friend, reflecting on how these experiences have enhanced their friendship. Fin hopes someday to drive a car or a motorcycle of his own to drive down Highway 9.
Aside from these creative pursuits, you can find Fin on the lacrosse field as an attacker. As the season progresses, Fin relishes in the JV team’s chemistry, demonstrated in their recent win against Mitty 15-1.
Fin also has a more domestic side. Over the pandemic, Fin discovered a new interest with his dad as they both learned how to make pasta. Fin finds the repetitive aspects of making pasta from scratch therapeutic. As he explained, “Making pasta from scratch is really worth it– it tastes way better. I really like how it opens your mind and you can think of whatever you want or just listen to music.” Out of the many different pasta styles he has tried, the long, flat shape of tagliatelle is his favorite, as he finds it grips his favorite homemade carbonara sauce well.
When asked about his future plans, Fin stated that he is getting ready to apply to California colleges in the fall, looking to enroll in a UC’s business or accounting program.
With such a wide variety of talents and interests, Fin is looking towards a bright future, always following his golden rule: “The worst thing you can do is not try; there is absolutely no downside to trying.”
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