Henry Nguyen

Can you share some details on your plans for after graduation? For example, the name of college you will be attending or where you will be working. What are you most looking forward to with these plans?

I have no idea what I am doing, or what is going on. Despite this uncertainty, I am so grateful to be surrounded by people who are motivated about their future; it empowers me to continue my passions in college. I am going to spend the Summer working and hanging out with friends. To prevent myself from rotting away, I WILL keep myself accountable and form a schedule over the Summer. I’m attending UMass Amherst, and I’ve had thoughts about going to graduate school for biostatistics. Currently though, I am planning on a math and/or biology related for my undergraduate.

Do you have any memorable moments from your time at South High? 

Four years at South High, I’ll remember post-prom hangouts, collaborating with friends during AP Biology, graduating from the National Honor Society, receiving needed help from teachers, and every moment with friends!

What is something that you have learned or experienced at South High that you will take with you after graduation? 

I am still working on believing in myself – in order to have supportive friends, I must support myself first. Also, I have really, really bad procrastination issues, which affected my mental health and eating habits. Coupled with my stress about getting a job my junior year of high school, with other issues, I was at my lowest. The biggest step, which is also the hardest step was reaching out for help. After being open about everything with my parents and sister, I began feeling better. I realized I was not alone, as they took their personal time to help me recover.

Do you have any advice you would share with rising seniors or with underclassmen?

Please ask for help when you need it. Whether the challenges are for physical, or mental support, simply talking about your problems can help stabilize your state of mind. Show gratitude, and be optimistic about every opportunity that comes up.