By Katie Nelson

Center Editor

Senior Ria Sharma does it all. Between softball, volunteering for the local hospital, interning in molecular research, and managing a demanding class schedule of six AP classes, she does it with determination and a smile. This year, Sharma’s schedule is all AP classes, including Spanish, Government & Honors Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics C, Statistics, and Literature, but she said her favorite is “definitely bio…I love all things bio.” Sharma said she’s interested in biology and medicine and hopes to pursue that in college. Currently, she volunteers at Good Samaritan’s Pediatric Hospital on weekends and has done various research at UCSF including computational screening of proteins that identify features that would make them interesting to study.

Regarding her future plans, Sharma said, “I’m going to UCLA and I’m majoring in molecular cell and developmental biology, and I’m obviously hoping to get involved in research and that sort of stuff. I’m on the pre-med track.” Sharma explained she’s most looking forward to the opportunities at UCLA and the chance to be independent and explore all that college has to offer. She said that “UCLA was always my dream school…it’s perfect, I mean it has good academics and a great location in state…good weather and the sports teams!” Along with her interest in research, Sharma also added, “I’ll definitely join some clubs to meet new people and stuff and I’m thinking of doing intramural soccer.”

Right now, Sharma is finishing up her senior season of softball. The team dominated the league with a 14-1 record, and has CCS approaching soon. Sharma explained that she got into softball due to her sisters: “We’ve all played softball since we were like five, so I’ve been playing for a long time. It’s really fun, the team here is great. It’s a good time and it’s a good distraction from school and stuff.”

Sharma said she’s looking forward to the coming weeks of senior activities and for summer to arrive. Her favorite thing about LGHS is “definitely the people. I’ve made a lot of good friends,” but she is looking forward to leaving behind the structured schedule of high school. A huge inspiration and role model for her has been “Ms. [Cathy] Messenger… [ASR] was a journey and she’s helped a lot. She wrote my letters of recommendation and helped a lot with guidance through college stuff.” Sharma also credited her older sisters for being huge sources of guidance and inspiration throughout high school as well.

In addition to all the end of the year activities, Sharma plans to run a half-marathon on June 1, which she chose to do because it seemed fun and she did cross country for a couple of years. In summer, she plans to do EMT training in LA, along with some camping and spending time with her older sister at Michigan University. Undoubtedly leaving behind a legacy at LGHS, Sharma will continue to pave a path of excellence and success in her future at UCLA and beyond.