by Fuyu Banno and Lydia Liu

Graphics Editor and Public Relations Manager

Sophomore Aiden Gao looks to start his second year at Los Gatos High School with a punch, already participating in challenging classes, unique hobbies, and extracurricular activities. Known among his friends for his easy-going personality and curiosity, Gao always finds ways to push himself academically while still doing the things he loves.

This year, Gao’s schedule includes a mix of rigorous courses: AP European History, AP Calculus BC, English 10 Honors, French 3, Chemistry, and Robotics. Out of all of them, he enjoys AP European History the most. He particularly enjoys learning about the various figures that come up in the class. Gao takes pride in handling such a difficult course load, particularly in math and science, even though schoolwork takes up much of his time.

Outside the classroom, Gao finds peace and enjoyment in bouldering. An amateur boulderer, Gao takes solace in the sport and prefers to go solo rather than with a larger group. Gao explained that he was drawn to bouldering because “it’s fun solving the problems,” referring to the strategies required to reach the top of the wall. Outside of his schoolwork, he hopes to climb more often and reach higher levels. With his current level at V6, Gao hopes to move up to V7 and V8 in the near future.

Gao also spends time as a clarinet player for the San Jose Youth Symphony (SJYS)’s Chamber group. As an audition-only group, SJYS meets once a week to play as a whole symphony. The 2025 season began in early September, and although Gao has been playing the clarinet for about five years, this will be his first year as part of SJYS. Gao says he is looking forward to what SJYS brings him and is particularly excited to make new friends. 

Back on campus, robotics plays a huge role in Gao’s extracurricular life. As one of the only underclassmen serving as a shop manager, he helps oversee the pit and ensures everything runs smoothly during build sessions. Robotics is more than a class for Aiden: it is a chance to follow in his brother’s footsteps, who left a deep impact on the robotics team before graduating two years ago, while also discovering a passion for engineering and design. Gao has a clear goal for the year; he explained, “I want to go to Houston, then win [FIRST Robotic Competition Worlds],” while also looking forward to more competitions and the chance to strengthen his skills and leadership experience.

Although Gao spends much of his time on academic pursuits, he does not forget about living in the moment and being stress-free. As he put it, “The vision is to cruise through life.” Whether through classes, robotics, or bouldering, Gao gives his all while still remembering to enjoy the calmness of whatever path life takes him on.