- School District U-46
- Class of 2022
- Top 2 Percent
Asmita Shah
What are your post-high school plans?
I plan on attending the Stern School of Business at New York University.
What is the most important thing you learned in high school?
The most important thing I learned in high school is that failure is a part of life. There will be a test you do not do well on, a class that is harder for you than others, or a goal you were not able to meet. However, it is the way you react to this difficulty that determines your success. It's important to be able to take setbacks in stride and put in extra effort to improve, without losing your sense of hope or determination. Understanding the necessity for growth and change allowed me to adapt and find a way through the challenges of these past four years.
What is your favorite high school memory?
My favorite high school memories include the Math Club Regional Competition my sophomore year, going to DECA State my senior year, and all my XC and T&F meets. The reason I love these events is because I was able to take my practice and actually apply it in a place filled with students of similar passions as mine. The main reason these events were so impactful is because it was through these longer events that I connected with and established a deeper bond with my peers, creating friendships that will last beyond my years in high school. Being able to see all our hard work pay off together was extremely rewarding, and it was so fun to celebrate my friends' accomplishments with them.
What was your favorite class or learning experience?
Throughout my four years I've been able to take many classes that I enjoyed with amazing teachers who work really hard to make the class fun and informative. Some of my favorite classes were all my math classes, AP Environmental Science, AP Physics, AP Psychology, Marketing, and AP English Literature. I liked these classes because I was able to challenge myself and the material was interesting to learn. Some of my favorite learning experiences came from classes with my friends because we were able to joke around and have a good time while also helping each other through the material we didn't understand.
Share your best advice for incoming freshmen:
My best advice to incoming freshmen is to put yourself out there! Freshmen year is the best time to try new things and find what interests YOU. Don't be afraid to meet new people, join activities, or take classes that you want to because there's no "perfect path" to get through high school. Do what makes you happy and know that years from now, none of the little things you stress over will matter. While maintaining good grades is important, it's the memories and friendships you create that truly shape your high school experience. And, if you can, try and get some good sleep because that's definitely going away by senior year
What or who do you acknowledge for your academic success, and ranking in the top 2 percent of your senior class?
I cannot thank my friends enough for all the support and unconditional love they have given me through the years. They've been here for all my ups & downs, for all the stress, and most importantly, they're the reason for my smiles and laughs. Additionally, my family and teachers were essential in this process as they are the backbone of my education. I appreciate that they are always ready to help me and guide me through decisions.
What life lessons or observations have you gained about yourself, and the world, during the 2021-22 school year?
I think that we gained a new appreciation for life and recognized the importance of gratitude and empathy, especially in the face of adversity. The 2020-2021 year at home gave me a chance for introspection as well as more time to spend with my family. This helped me realize that while it is easy for us to get caught up in our own lives, it is much more important to take a break and enjoy little moments. Also, I think every student realized how essential self-motivation is and I learned a lot about my own work ethic and perseverance.