Becoming valedictorian takes an unimaginable amount of effort and passion for academics. This year’s valedictorian, Aydin Kabir, academic success is certainly worth noting. From extracurriculars to AP classes, Aydin does it all.
High school can be a treacherous road, especially considering the intense academics and standards enforced on students. Aydin describes the biggest challenge he faced in high school to be the work load of his classes.
“One of the biggest challenges was managing the work load, it was less that the work was difficult but that there was such a large amount of it. While I did procrastinate a lot, the trick is to just stay on top of it,” Kabir said.
There is no one way to live out your high school experience. Many will give you advice on what or what not to do, but occasionally there is that one piece of advice that just sticks with you. Aydin says that he wished he was told to get involved with the school and everything it has to offer sooner.
“Get involved. When I was a freshman I joined a lot of clubs, because I heard that advice, but wasn’t very involved with them. I would say it’s actually more meaningful to join one or two that you are passionate about and really contribute to the community of those clubs,” Kabir said.
Oliver Ames is lucky to have such amazing staff and teachers that inspire students to reach their full potential. Aydin says that he was most influenced by Mr. Flaherty and Mrs. Glatthorn because of their engagement in class and their support throughout his high school experience.
“I’ve had two teachers that especially influenced me. I would say Mr Flaherty for Economics, ten out of ten class, I would definitely recommend it. Also Mrs. Glatthorn for BC Calc because she was very present for academic needs but also a life advisor for when I needed it.”
Graduation stirs up a lot of bitter-sweet feelings. Many seniors are excited to start a new chapter of their lives but, at the same time, not eager to leave the Oliver Ames community. When asked what Aydin will miss most after graduation, he says that the people at Oliver Ames will stay with him as he moves on.
“That’s a good question, I would say the people. I’ve made a lot of good friends along the way here at OA. But at the same time, it’s important to move on. It was fun while it lasted, no regrets,” Kabir said.
