Salutatorian Lindsey Ngyuen is Rhode Island-bound on a full-ride scholarship at Brown University. She will deliver her salutatorian address at graduation on May 25.
Nguyen gives this advice to anybody aiming to be in the top 10.
“I would say work hard and do your best!” Ngyuen said. “You don’t have to be perfect to be in the top 10, but be prepared to work hard and earn your place there.”
Nguyen recommends taking rigorous classes for the path to success.
“Take advanced and AP classes to boost your GPA, especially if you believe you can get good grades in those classes,” Nguyen said.
Nguyen also recommended involvement in extracurricular activities.
“Join clubs you will enjoy, like service clubs, competition clubs, career clubs, culture clubs, etc. because you’ll be more motivated in general doing things you enjoy,” Nguyen said. “Personally, I would recommend Key Club, UIL Academics, HOSA and Formula Project. NHS is also a really good club if you’re eligible to join.”
Nguyen shared her tips regarding staying motivated without getting burnt out.
“I take breaks often to let myself relax, whether that is just taking naps, playing games, reading or just hanging out with friends,” Nguyen said. “I learned my limits and take breaks before getting burnt out. In general, I would recommend learning your limits and then learning to keep a balanced lifestyle because that will also help in the future with college and/or work.”
Nguyen gave credit to someone very close to her as her inspiration to aim for the top.
“My mom inspired me the most; she always pushed me to do my best, and eventually, I began motivating myself to do my best,” she said. “She’s a strong woman who sacrificed a lot to take care of her kids; I would say she is my inspiration to aim for the top because she has worked so hard to get where she is now and support us. I want to show her that her sacrifices were not in vain.”
Nguyen has clear plans for her college major and future jobs.
“I plan to major in health and human biology,” Nguyen said. “Honestly anything in the medical field, but I’m currently thinking about being some sort of physician or being a PA (physician assistant).”
Nguyen shared how she deals with her workload of homework and classwork.
“I try not to procrastinate and do the work as soon as I get it,” Nguyen said. ”If I end up procrastinating, I make a list of things that need to get done first or things that are easiest to complete. Then I slowly work through that list.”
As for her future aspirations, Nguyen has clear plans.
“I would like to go into oncology in the future, whether that be through research or as a physician,” she said. “Ultimately, I want to advance our knowledge and understanding of cancer. Along with that, my ultimate goal is to help people with chronic skin conditions.”
Nguyen said if she had the chance to tell her freshman self anything it would be to have grit and keep going
“Don’t give up and continue to persevere!” Nguyen said. “Your hard work will pay off, I would say this because there have been times when I wanted to give up but pushed through anyway without knowing what the end result would be.”