- School District U-46
- Class of 2022
- Top 2 Percent
HeeRan Yang
What are your post-high school plans?
I will be attending University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a Major in Biology (Pre-Med) and Minor in Psychology.
What is the most important thing you learned in high school?
One thing I learned in high school is that "People don't have to be a genius to be successful." I always thought it was an advantage for those who were "born smart." They would get 1500's on their SAT, 30's on their ACT and just good grades in general without studying for them. For me, I never got those scores, no matter how hard I studied for the tests and took them multiple times. However, in the end, now that I'm going into college, I saw that my effort and my hard work got me somewhere. I didn't need a perfect score on my standardized tests, because my hard work in school and outside of school brought results that didn't require "pure-talent." I mean even now, I am jealous of those who are really smart, but without effort, gifts can't be used or expressed in life. I believe that if one is gifted with effort, there are no limits.
What is your favorite high school memory?
My favorite high school memory is going to the football games and volleyball games. Not only do I enjoy watching sports, but I also love the atmosphere filled with joy and supportive spirit. I also loved taking pictures of my friends during homecoming and those who came to support our school during sports games with my camera. I always posted them on my photo account, and everyone asked for the photos that they liked.
What was your favorite class or learning experience?
My favorite class was AP Biology with Mrs. Pfeifer. I just really loved how she taught us how every aspect of life (cells, evolution, genetics) was all connected. And I really enjoyed understanding how science always gives an explanation to today's diseases, such as COVID-19, leukemia, and beyond.
Share your best advice for incoming freshmen:
I would really recommend joining as many clubs and sports as possible. I know some students are very shy and are not used to stepping out of their comfort zone, but practicing it sooner will be beneficial in many ways. They might end up not enjoying some of the clubs, but they definitely will meet new people and create great relationships and memories that will allow you to enjoy your high school years. Also, they really do help with college applications.
What or who do you acknowledge for your academic success, and ranking in the top 2 percent of your senior class?
I would like to acknowledge my parents and my siblings, who supported every decision I made, trusting the process and result. All of my friends throughout my high school years who always made me smile during test weeks with the most interesting and funny conversations. Lastly, to all of my teachers who encouraged me to try my best and do well in all the courses, always there to help me out when I'm stuck.
What life lessons or observations have you gained about yourself, and the world, during the 2021-22 school year?
One life lesson that I have gained about myself and the world is that "I may walk slowly but I never walk backwards." Whether it be studying for a test or practicing a sport, it always seemed like I wasn't getting better at either understanding or playing, but I noticed that there in fact was progress. It obviously did not show every day, but after a couple weeks or even months, I found that I had mastered it, and soon became flexible with the skill. With practice and effort, there is no "getting worse," only "getting better." Even in society, there has been many efforts made in fighting for equality and rights. For the past several years, it may seem like not much has changed. However, if we look back from the past hundred years, it has. Slowly, women were able to vote, wages began to increase, and diversity began to show amongst Congress members and CEOs. It may seem like nothing is happening now, but in the long-run, things are changing and progressing. It never gets worse.