Checking in with our Current 4S Scholars!
As college application deadlines are approaching, let’s find out what some of the students of our 2023 cohort are up to and how they’re doing in this process. Let’s hear from these seniors from Downtown Magnets High School: Ja-chan Lu, Angel Reyes, Lindsey Lee, and Sydney Covington.
Ja-chan Lu
Ja-chan Lu is still in the process of filling out his college applications, working on his essays, and doing some more research on schools. He’s interested in computer science and wants to be involved in a program where he can develop and nourish his skills as well as gain experience. Though this whole process is lengthy and tiring in addition to school, he can’t wait for it to be over and see rewarding results from his efforts.
Angel Reyes
Angel Reyes has also been a busy bee. She’s been revising her PIQs and personal statement. Additionally, she got the opportunity for a few fly-in visits including Scripps as well as had the chance to attend online programs such as Wellesley Voice and Barnard Bound. At school, she has been active in her extracurriculars, including leading and working towards senior events as the Senior Class President, advocating for women in her school’s feminist club, and being involved in her school’s California Scholarship Federation chapter, and school newspaper: The Helios. Overall, Angel says that “school is a little stressful right now, but the support from the 4s program and especially Dr. Chase has gotten me through it.”
Lindsey Lee
Lindsey Lee’s interests primarily lie in nursing, but she’s open to pre-med options ranging from biochem to public health because she wants to work in healthcare advocacy and equity. She’s working her way through her applications on her college list. She submitted her Early Decision (ED) application to the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) and her Early Action (EA) application to USC. Right now, she is in the polishing stage of finishing up her UC applications. Lindsey was also involved in PEEP, a virtual fly-in to UPenn. She’s also been busy at school with her extracurriculars and meeting approaching deadlines for the IB Program. Although rigorous, she’s excited to go in depth with topics, including her favorite classes: AP Chemistry and IB English. From volunteering at local hospitals to blood drives, Lindsey’s also been heavily involved with her Red Cross engagement, both at her school and region. She’s also been competing at debate tournaments as a participant and mentoring other debaters. Lastly, she wrote a book called “Teens Talk About Mental Health”. You can find the link HERE!
Sydney Covington
Sydney Covington had a good start to her essays in the beginning, but her progress has been delayed due to stress and anxiety. Now, she’s been focusing on her PIQs and making sure they convey the story she wants to tell. According to Sydney, “the essays for the UC’s is what I’ve been mainly focused on. Slowly we are approaching the deadline and I’ve been constructing my essays to make sure they are perfect for it!” Sydney’s also been focusing on her scholarship applications. Her target goal is 15 scholarships and at the moment, she’s waiting to hear back from the Posse Foundation to see if she made it as a finalist. Aside from college and scholarship applications, her senior year has been nice. Though it’s her most rigorous year of high school taking 3 IB courses in addition to extracurricular activities, she’s been adapting and adjusting to this learning experience.
We’re proud of all the feats and perseverance of our seniors! Keep up the good work, and we can’t wait to hear about more of your successes in the near future!