Jenna Bao, Executive Editor
Embarking upon my final year in Convergence journalism, I want to take this as an opportunity to reflect on a few ways I have/have not changed. Yet, I also realize that whoever you (my reader) may be, an introspective smattering of facts is not likely what you are here for. I suppose I shall attempt to satisfy us both.
As a senior, this is in fact my fourth year shuffling stories out of Room 115. Over the years I have been an Associate Editor, and this year I am glad to serve as Executive Editor of the Leaf. As a freshman, I had no clue about my plans for the future beyond getting into a satisfactory college. For some excessive context, this was following the sixth-life crisis of my eighth grade year wherein my previous plan to become a neurosurgeon was derailed by the realization that the humanities are my jam. The multi-month long confusion I waddled through then scared me away from solid conclusions about the future, but I will say I plan to study international relations with the anticipation of law school on the eventual horizon.
Why law school, you might ask. Well that can be explained by one of my other great passions of adolescence (I have a relative great many passions): mock trial. I absolutely fell in love with the role of attorney, so much so that I have inhabited it four times. It is complicated and time consuming and incredible, not unlike journalism. I have also grabbed moot court (mock’s nerdier cousin) by its fledgling horns. For more information, check out some of the articles on this fine site.
Fun fact: as a freshman I wrote here that if I could meet any historical figure, I would go for Japanese food with Stalin, Buddha, and Jesus. Years later, the only adjustments I would make to that desire are grabbing Indian food instead and throwing Rousseau into the mix.
As for my other interests/engagements, I adore creative writing and literature, have since the days past of elementary school. In fact some of my work has been recognized by/featured in Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, the Chautauqua Literary Journal, and the Blue Marble Review. I also happen to be the president and founder of Book Club at SHS, which is basically just an excuse for me to have snacks and riveting discussion with other lithophiles.
I previously wrote, “I get to use my premature birth as an excuse for my pitiable cardiovascular fitness and lack of balance.” Still true. In fact, I take a certain amount of pride in the fact that I have managed to get all my necessary phys ed credits without a single traditional gym class.
If you are somehow still reading, I shall share that I am currently also president of both French Club and Tea Club. I have played the violin since the fifth grade, and I am a reader for Polyphony H.S., a youth literary magazine.
Allow me conclude with a direct quote from my sophomore profile. All of the following information still applies. “Other unnecessary but fascinating (I hope) facts about me include: I enjoy Korean dramas…and Asian pop culture in general and have terrifyingly eclectic taste in music. If I were made principal for a day (disregarding the fact that a day would not be nearly enough to actually achieve anything), I would establish a spy system not unlike that of the Qin Dynasty.
If you have actually read this entire profile, I commend and thank you.”
