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As you read through the thoughts, dreams and passions of the following students, you'll get the overwhelming feeling of young lives filled with lofty dreams. Don't be fooled; with this group, their aspirations are reachable. The Fifth Annual Shining Students cover story - usually limited to 10 seniors - has, for a second straight year, 11 students. They recently gathered on a blustery, rainy day for a photo shoot at Fashion Island and Barnes & Noble. They were chosen from about 100 nominations sent by public and private schools. Who are they? They represent a future generation that will have to try, with its own devices and ingenuity, to solve many of the world's problems - population, environment, disease - as well as focus on the challenges of multicultural unity, political courage and religious discourse. As one student points out: "I think my main goal in life is to care about something bigger than myself. I want to make a difference. I want to leave the world better than how I found it. There will be an opportunity that will be presented and I hope that I can make a difference." Kavi Vyas School information: The 17-year-old Cypress resident attends Rancho Alamitos High School in Garden Grove where he is a scholar-athlete. He was named the male recipient of the Fall CIF Spirit of Sport Award, which is given to one of 1,200 nominated California high school athletes. He is the president of the Junior Statesmen of America club, former vice president of the National Honor Society, and a member of the varsity swimming team. His hopes and dreams: "I want a successful future and be able to live the way I want to live rather than the way I have to. My focus is giving myself options. If you are driven and you excel, then you're given the options. Once you have those options, the opportunities to use them are there. Professionally, though, medicine has always been impressed upon me and whatever it is I do, it'll probably be within the sciences." Recently, Kavi Vyas was named the male recipient of the Fall CIF Spirit of Sport Award, which is given to one male and one female student who have demonstrated commitment to honor, character, and sportsmanship. In the past four years on the water polo and swim team, he was named the Most Valuable Player, qualified for CIF swim finals, was captain of the junior varsity water polo team and coached swimming to middle school students in Long Beach. Impressive for a young man who never swam until he entered high school. "I started swimming just for fun," Kavi says. "But I kept at it and one thing led to another. I've been able to use my swimming abilities to reach out to others - the kids I coach - and that's what's meaningful to me." For the past four summers, Kavi also has volunteered at Boeing's Educational Outreach Program. He loves science - from co-building a space simulator to reporting for Boeing's outreach newsletter promoting science and math. He presented Boeing's "Mission to Mars" project to a group that included Secretary of Education Richard Riley, the governor's wife, and other California state representatives. His enthusiasm carries over as the student liaison and intern to the Orange County Human Relations Commission, where he helped design the sportsmanship workshop, "Walk In My Shoes Symposium." "We put on a workshop for junior high students called, 'How to survive in high school.' My advice was, be active. Do what you want to do but keep doing it. I know that I'm at a good position and if I can pull someone up with me, to make it easier for them, then that's twice the reward for me." With this eclectic mix of interests and activities, Kavi has one goal: Think outside the box. "Medicine's in my blood," says the young man who belongs to a family of four doctors. "But I'm open to anything else that might be interesting." He will enter Stanford University this fall as a freshman. "I know it seems scattered, but I just want to keep my options open," he says. And open they are. - By Nguyet Le Carter Wystrach School Information: This 17-year-old Laguna Niguel resident is a senior at Capistrano Valley High School. He is founder and co-president of Character Counts, a scholar athlete and a role model for other students. His hopes and dreams: "I would like to combine my career with my interest in community service." He lives by the Latin words, "Mens Sana in Corpore Sano," which mean, "A sound mind and a sound body." "I think that is really important when you try to formulate your path." He's a published poet, a Junior Olympian and a scholar. Carter Wystrach's accomplishments during his high school career at Capistrano Valley include the National Honor Society, a lifetime membership in the California Scholastic Federation, and a place on both the Superintendent's and Principal's Honor Roll. Carter has volunteered more than 100 hours at the Ocean Institute in Dana Point, writes for the school newspaper and pitches 88 mph fastballs for the school's title-winning baseball team. Perhaps more exciting is Carter's future. Heading to UC Berkeley in the fall, holding Berkeley's prestigious Regents' and Chancellor's scholarship, he will major in biomechanics and mechanical engineering with hopes of a career in orthopedic surgery. His aspirations, however, are not strictly geared toward medicine. After founding a campus organization called Character Counts, which now boasts 150 Capo High student members, he has found a niche. "I personally enjoy giving other students the opportunity to achieve, have leadership roles in school and to be recognized on campus," Carter says. Through the community service club, students take a mentoring role with local elementary kids. "Members pick a book about character and read it to the kids, mingle with them and talk to them," he explains, adding that he hopes to continue on a path of community service. "With Character Counts, I've immersed myself in public service, so I can't see myself giving that up. I'd like my career to have something to do with what I'm doing now - giving back to my community." No doubt Carter will do just that. His inspiration comes from his grandfather, who passed away when the teen was just 5 years old. "From all the stories I've heard, he was a doctor who took care of patients regardless of their economic or social status," Carter says, adding that he'd like to exhibit the kind of character his grandfather did. He's well on his way. While averaging a 4.73 gpa and ranking fourth academically among 709 students in the class of 2003, he has managed to accomplish much in the classroom as well as the community. His portfolio includes a first-place honor in an Orange County Scholastic Foundation poetry contest as well as in the PTSA's Reflections contest. His projects in chemistry and biology led to an exhibition at the Ocean Institute in Dana Point and a summer spent in the Junior Oceanography program. In the meantime, Carter plays varsity baseball for Capistrano Valley and spends time organizing projects for Character Counts, Red Ribbon Week, the Children In Need Committee, and at the Ocean Institute. One could go on and on. But with his philosophy, "A sound mind and a sound body," where he is headed seems perfectly in focus. - By Kimberly A. Porrazzo Analucia Lopezrevoredo School information: The 17-year-old is a senior at Tustin High School where she is a four-star student - in politics (student body president), academics, sports and community service. Her hopes and dreams: "To give back to the community as much as it has given to me; to be a public servant." Among her goals: U.S. secretary of state. You've heard the one about the student who wants to be president of the United States. It's a lofty goal, but beneath that wish is not the slightest clue about how to get from here to there. Then there are those rare gems, like Analucia Lopezrevoredo, who aspire to become, in this case, secretary of state, all the while understanding what that means, and what it takes. At 17, the Tustin High School student is off to a good start. Ana, as she is known by most everyone, is the daughter of two teachers - Gloria is a Head Start instructor in Santa Ana and Jose teaches GED preparation at Santa Ana College. Ana's success is already rubbing off: Her 15-year-old sister, Marijose, will be the school's first-ever 11th-grade student body president next year. Ana already sets the bar high for whoever follows her. A tri-athlete - varsity swimming, water polo and volleyball - she is the student body president, holds a 4.39 gpa, has served her community and church (St. Cecilia Catholic Church) well, and through all of this has kept her eyes on the prize. She wants to excel in life, and make a difference. "I really don't want to miss out on anything; I'm really good with managing my time," Ana says. "Just because I'm doing something doesn't mean that I can't do another thing. It's a desire to want to do it. I really don't see what I do as something stressful." It is hard to boil down her accomplishments to a brief list of highlights, but here goes: She earned the Girl Scout Gold Award this year by creating and leading "Si se Puede!," a program to promote higher education among minority groups by informing them about scholastic opportunities for college. She won the Best Delegate Gavel four times with the school's Model United Nations Program, an international debate-style competition in which schools are given the role of a particular nation. And last spring she organized the school's first-ever International Week, "Experience Diversity." The five-day celebration salutes different cultures. So when Ana says, "I want to work for the government, and I aspire to become secretary of state," it makes sense to believe, for this student, that this is a realistic goal. The aspiration also made her carefully choose Loyola Marymount University, where she plans to major in political science and Spanish en route to law school. "(Loyola) really focuses on social justice," she says. "Being a public servant, you need social justice. That will help me grow and evolve with the strengths that I have when it comes to promoting the well-being of every American." To date, Ana has evolved from a participant into a community leader. "I've learned acceptance; I've learned tolerance and respect for others. I've learned how to lead, and how to become an effective communicator, an independent seeker of knowledge." Next is the matter of putting "my views to work with the ideas I have." - By Craig Reem Sabrina Duim-Quirk School Information: The 18-year-old Irvine resident is a senior at St. Margaret's Episcopal School, San Juan Capistrano. She is an accomplished harpist as well as an honored scholar, with recognition ranging from the Presidential and National Merit scholarship programs to publication of her medical research. Her hopes and dreams: "I will be attending Stanford in the fall where I hope to major in bio-chem or bio-physics as well as harp performance. After that, I hope to go on to graduate school and eventually would like to be a research scientist. I have thought a lot about finding a cure for cancer, as my mom is a cancer survivor." Sabrina Duim-Quirk scored a perfect 1600 on her SATs. She had taken the test a second time because she wasn't satisfied with the 1580 score she got the first time around. "Just from taking the test I knew what I had done wrong and it was bothering me," Sabrina says. "I knew that I could do better and I knew that I could get that perfect score." She did. This attitude is what has fueled the success this impressive young woman has enjoyed throughout her high school career. She is currently a finalist for the Presidential Scholarship program and is among an exclusive group of students nationwide with exceptional academic achievements. She is a National Merit semifinalist and an AP scholar with Distinction. Sabrina is involved as a math tutor, a community volunteer and a performer, where she shares her award-winning talent as a harpist at numerous charity fund-raising events. She is listed in Who's Who Among American High School Students. She won the Promising Young Writers Contest and was selected as a homecoming princess. Where do her drive and determination come from? "My mom is a teacher, so academics are important to her. She's just always taught me to do my best. I know that sounds clichÞ but that's the way I was raised." That philosophy has served Sabrina well. As valedictorian, she is at the top of her class at St. Margaret's Episcopal School in San Juan Capistrano, logging in a 4.45 gpa. She is off to a great start on her chosen profession as a research scientist after working in a UC Irvine lab, studying T-cell movements in lymph nodes. She describes her work, using a specialized microscope that few labs have, as "fascinating." The data she gathered and helped to analyze was published in "The Proceedings of the National Academy of Science." Sabrina's gifts, however, are not limited to academics. She excels in music as the principal harpist for the All-Southern California School Band & Orchestra as well as the UC Irvine Symphony Orchestra. Somehow, she also finds time to pursue athletics. She was a member of the girls' varsity cross-country team that took sixth place in the CIF State Championships in 2000. She is founder and president of the school's fencing club and a member of the dance team. She is a black belt in karate. Sabrina is actively involved in her community with efforts ranging from volunteering to clearing brush in Zion National Park to crop harvesting. Her mother serves as her role model. "She's a very intellectual person and I'm always learning from her." Seems her mom has done a pretty good job. Sabrina's sister, Whitney, was profiled as one of OC Family Magazine's Shining Students in 2001. - By Kimberly A. Porrazzo Britton Caillouette School information: The 18-year-old is in the first graduating class at Sage Hill School in Newport Beach, a private high school. He was elected student body president in both his sophomore and junior years, received the AP Scholar designation and end-of-year faculty awards of Courage (10th grade) and Balance (11th grade). He is the senior class representative to student government and the senior member of the inaugural Ocean Sciences Bowl Team. His passions include art, photography and music. His hopes and dreams: "I know I just want to be happy and travel. Traveling is one of the most important things to me, getting out there in the world and exposing myself to everything, being a lifelong learner in every aspect of life." He had me at "Hello." From the moment Britton Caillouette opened his front door, I knew why he was among this year's Shining Students. Something in his startling blue eyes pulls you in and keeps you there; they're the-world-is-my-oyster-I-can-do-anything eyes, animated and brimming with promise. While most adults wouldn't want to revisit their youth, this natural-born leader and honor student makes you want to go back, to have another chance at missed opportunities, to go out into the world again, this time with more enthusiasm and less uncertainty. Britton is actively involved in his school and community and earns exemplary grades at Sage Hill School, a private high school his parents helped establish almost four years ago. But there's a depth to him that not many people have, young or old. A wisdom born from an unthinkable experience. When he 14, Britton was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer. After two years of grueling chemotherapy, surgeries and crutches, a leg was amputated. When all his friends were running bases and rowing crew, something he enjoyed immensely before the diagnosis, Britton was learning how to walk again with a prosthesis. But only as someone extraordinary could do, he turned his disability into an asset, developing deeper connections with people and crystal-clear priorities about life. "This whole experience has given me this amazing perspective on living and has allowed me to truly appreciate every day, every moment, every opportunity," says Britton, who credits his parents, three younger siblings and his "amazing friends" for pulling him through this ordeal. Today, Britton seizes every moment. His talents are many, his interests exhausting. "I can do anything," he says. He's a promising artist and photographer whose work has appeared in local cafes. He reaches out to people with similar challenges through motivational speaking. And he's been a leader in student government since his first year at Sage. A real passion is music, more specifically, being the drummer in a band he helped start four years ago, Vanity Kissed Vanity. The group plays "rock with a folk influence," performing in such notable venues as The Coach House and Crazy Horse. A first CD was recorded a few months ago. This summer, Britton hopes to record another album, go to Mexico for fun and continue teaching drum lessons to kids. Then it's off to Stanford University in the fall, a family tradition. "Stanford's always been in my future. My mom and 18 other family members went there." Not yet sure of his major, he plans to pursue his favorite subjects - biology, history and languages. He may end up in medicine like his father, an orthopedic surgeon. Then again, maybe not. - By Lynn Armitage Aileen Sy School information: The 17-year-old senior attends University High School in Irvine. Aileen is a National Merit Finalist, an AP Scholar with Distinction and a Merv Griffin Charity Artist. She is editor-in-chief for the school's newspaper, the Sword and Shield. She has traveled to France and Italy to play Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" as a solo violinist and played in China as a solo pianist. Her hopes and dreams: "My hope is to find a way to be happy both in my career and personal life, to find a way to truly integrate what I love and do it every day. I want to be involved in hospital administration and the personal care of patients. Not just being a doctor, but also making hospital policies about how to care for patients and work with the underprivileged. Whatever it is, it has to involve interaction with people." Before Aileen Sy's legs could reach the floor from a chair, she was already imitating her two older brothers as they practiced violin - swaying along with an invisible bow. Soon, she began her ascent into the musical world, playing and mastering, the violin and piano. "Music is a very integral part of my life," says Aileen, who plays with the Workshop Team at her church and enjoys jazz and improvisation in addition to classical music. "I want to continue that through college, maybe minor in music." Music has taken her from her school's Honor Orchestra to Europe and China, where she toured with the International Cultural Exchange group twice. This past March, she was among the "Stars of Tomorrow," where she represented University High School's orchestra as their concertmistress at Irvine Barclay Theatre. This month, she will perform at Carnegie Hall. But Aileen's talents reach beyond the arts to a completely different arena - the sciences. As a freshman, she presented and won the Irvine Ranch Water District Project Award for her report on "The Effect of Environmental Pollutants on Bacteria's Biolumninescence." She also won first-place honors twice, in 1999 and 2002, at the Orange County Science and Engineering Fair for her project on microbiology and cell biology. In addition, she recently conducted independent research on regeneration and development with the supervision of Dr. Susan Bryant, dean of the biological sciences department at UC Irvine. Perhaps science comes naturally for this youngest daughter of three. Her father is a biochemistry professor at Cal State Fresno, her mother is a former chemist, and both older brothers are medical students. "My dad is a science person so since I was young, he would ask me inquisitive questions like, 'Why do leaves fall?' and then we'd do a project on it. I went to his lab at a really young age just to look around and I got fascinated with all that stuff. All the support from my family has given me lots of self-confidence." But to no one's surprise, Aileen also heads the school's newspaper, the Sword and Shield, as editor-in-chief. She volunteers at Children's Hospital of Orange County as the PADRE Foundation family directory coordinator, which she has done for three years. And she is an active member of the Chinese Baptist Church. "My philosophy is, I'm here because there's a purpose to my life," Aileen says. "It means I should make use of the gifts and talents I've been given and expect the best of myself and be thankful for what I've been given." - By Nguyet Le Annie Pestolesi School information: The 17-year-old is a senior at Irvine's Northwood High School. She is a member of ASB Council, Student Forum, Environmental Club and is involved in the school's Chamber Singers, Instrumental Music, Drama and Musical Theater programs. She also is a Girl Scout, volunteer and serves as Northwood's student representative to the Irvine Unified School District Board of Education. The recipient of numerous awards, she holds a 4.2 gpa. Her hopes and dreams: To make a difference on a national level. "I want to pursue my passion for the environment by serving as an active defender of the wilderness in the National Park Service." With more than 20 hours a week spent in extracurricular activities alone, Annie Pestolesi relies on a Palm Pilot and notes written in black ink atop her hand to help keep organized. Add in her volunteer efforts, participation in school clubs and the time allocated to maintaining a 4.2 gpa, and the electronic scheduler quickly reveals her versatility and juggling skills. These traits, though, offer just a glimpse of the Northwood High School senior. Most defining is the level of enthusiasm and commitment she brings to each. "There are so many different areas that I can do what I love to do and also help others," she says. Annie attributes her passion and dedication to the examples set by her parents, both of whom teach in the district. Last month, the longtime Girl Scout received the organization's highest award, the Gold Award. Annie, who began singing in the fourth grade, also has been in Northwood's chorus throughout her high school years. She performed in two school musicals as well, most recently starring as Peter Pan. Described by Principal Tony Ferruzzo as "a leader among leaders," Annie recently helped orchestrate a Budget Cut Crisis Week at Northwood after attending a district meeting as a student representative to IUSD Board of Education. The program, created to inform students on how they would be directly affected by the cuts and to gain involvement and support, offered a letter-writing campaign to officials in Sacramento and a supply drive for teachers at the Irvine campus. Her leadership and dedication is further revealed through service as vice president of the school's Environmental Club, which she co-founded three years ago. Besides the commonly held practices of a campus recycling program and participating in clean-up type projects in the community, Annie recently played a major role in bringing a Lunch Festival to students in celebration of Earth Day. Along with music and samples of all-natural juices and food bars, the event offered information on electric vehicles and endangered species. Her interest in the environment, originally piqued through a sophomore science class, transformed into a pursuit after volunteering last summer at the Grand Canyon. "I just get so much gratification being able to sit outside and look at the earth undisturbed," she says. "Being outside in nature is the one thing I can center my life around." Annie, who originally had her sights set on a career in education, plans to combine her love for nature with her passion for working with people. This fall, she begins her studies in national park service at UC Davis. "You're teaching," she says, "but outside the classroom." - By Sandy Bennett Andrew Paik School information: The 17-year-old senior from Fullerton attends Fairmont Preparatory Academy and will attend Harvard University this fall. Andrew has won English and Foreign Language National Merit Nomination awards and the Sir Isaac Newton award for excellence in mathematics. He is an accomplished clarinet player, earning second place at the VOCE State Competition and first place at the Sonata Clarinet Competition and the San Gabriel Valley Regional Clarinet Competition. His hopes and dreams: Reflecting on Harvard: "It's probably going to be four years that not many students experience. I want to take advantage of all the opportunities there. For the distant future...I want to give back to my family who have given a lot to me in terms of time and financially. Basically, I want to live a pretty peaceful life." Andrew Paik's heart has belonged to Harvard since he started junior high. He didn't even need to step foot on the campus to know that's where he belonged. The Ivy League school was his first and only college choice as he navigated through his early teenage years, taking honors classes, volunteering on the weekends and practicing the clarinet nightly. This fall, the Fairmont School senior finally made the call to find out if he was going to realize his dream. "I couldn't really go to sleep (the night before)," he says. "I had been wanting to know for a really long time. I got up at 5:55 a.m. and finally got through at 6:15 a.m. Then I called back one more time just to make sure." Andrew got the same message both times: He was going to Harvard. "It's where I fit, where I belong. It's a one-of-a-kind experience. I'm really excited just to be part of such a renowned university. I see its historical significance and I have that feeling that I've accomplished something, that I'm there for a reason. It's an experience that will shape me over the next four years into a person I can be satisfied with." Andrew is rarely satisfied, always pushing himself to be the best he could. Sure, there were times he would have preferred to get an extra hour of sleep or just take a day off. But he stayed focused on what it took to get accepted to Harvard. Andrew has demonstrated mastery across all subjects, winning awards in English, foreign language, science and math. His musical talent was evidenced in his many wins at performance competitions. One of his fondest high school achievements is taking a difficult instrument to the VOCE State Competition. He played against 11 crowd-pleasing flutes and took second in that competition. He was simply happy with his performance and the recognition he received amid the tough-to-beat flutes. Despite hard work and practice, Andrew takes time to keep balance in his life. He visited a local senior center weekly to play games and chat with residents. He took care to manage his time carefully and get enough sleep. And some of his best memories are of summertime travel. A couple of summers ago, he jetted off to a European camp, exploring Scotland along with students from 70 different countries. Then, he visited his aunt in Austria before returning home nearly a month later. Now Andrew prepares for his next adventure. He hasn't indulged in any lavish celebrations since his acceptance to Harvard, just a quiet dinner with his family. Then again, he doesn't need to. "It was more of my own personal goal rather than my family's," he says. "To celebrate wasn't a really big necessity." - By Jennifer Leuer Erin Zimmer School information: The 17-year-old Laguna Niguel resident is a senior at Dana Hills High School in Dana Point. She has dedicated more than 1,000 hours to community service. She also is active in the school's National Honor Society, Yearbook and varsity tennis team. Erin, who has taken several advanced placement classes, holds a 4.41 gpa. Her hopes and dreams: "To keep volunteerism as an integral part of my life...To do what I can to help others even if it's a simple endeavor." Erin Zimmer is referred to by some as the poster child for volunteerism at Dana Hills High School. The recipient of several awards for her efforts, she has volunteered more than 1,000 hours since the eighth grade. "It's been a huge part of my life. It's sort of like one of those things that just grows on you. Once I started, there were all these links to other places to volunteer that build on each other. It opened all these doors and just fell into place." The 17-year-old's volunteer efforts have been primarily concentrated on two organizations: the National Charity League and Mission Hospital. Erin, who has been involved in the program since the eighth grade, serves as vice president of the Laguna Chapter of the National Charity League. During this time, she has been involved in an array of outreach efforts, from working with disabled kids at a summer camp program to celebrating senior birthdays every month at a nearby residential facility. Inspired by her mother, who works at Mission Hospital, Erin started volunteering at the Mission Viejo-based medical center when she was a freshman. She assisted for three years in the surgery waiting room area, handling phones and related clerical duties. For the past year, she has served in the emergency waiting room area. Besides stocking shelves and emptying trash cans in emergency rooms, she also ensures that patients are comfortable as they wait. The recipient of the hospital's President's Service Award for four years, she has donated 700 hours to the facility. Her spirit of volunteerism, she says, comes from witnessing others in pain, whether it's a homeless person in the streets or children who have disconnected parents. Though a major component of her life, Erin's efforts and talents expand beyond the world of philanthropy. Her involvement on campus includes the National Honor Society, California Scholarship Federation, French Club, Yearbook, varsity tennis and more. Among the top students at Dana Hills, she holds a gpa of 4.41 and has taken several advanced placement courses. Outside of the Dana Point campus, she completed calculus and analytical geometry at Irvine Valley College and attended an eight-day residential camp last summer at UC Irvine where she explored major social issues with other Orange County high school students. Still undecided on a major and definite career path, Erin this fall will attend Georgetown University. Among her considerations is to spend two years after college in the Peace Corps, work in a health clinic outside the United States, and pursue a career in pediatrics. One thing for sure, service will remain a part of her life. "No matter where you are," she says, "you definitely have the potential to change someone's day even if it's slightly." - By Sandy Bennett Phi Luong School information: The 18-year-old senior, a Santa Ana resident, is at the top of her Valley High School class. She founded and serves as co-president of the school's first National Honor Society chapter. She also is president of Valley's MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement) club and is involved in community service projects as a member of both the Asian and Key clubs on campus. She has been captain of the girls' tennis team for three years, represented the school at the American Legion Auxiliary Girls State Program last summer, and was named Most Outstanding Vietnamese Student of Orange County by Viet Olympiad. Her hopes and dreams: "I would like to become a community leader where I can make a difference. One of my interests is political science and I was thinking of possibly becoming a member of the Board of Education so I can make a difference in education...I'm also thinking about being an entrepreneur, because I'm into trying new things and I like to innovate and take initiative." Take your eye off Phi Luong for a minute and she'll be out the door, headed to tackle the next challenge. She flits seamlessly between her high school campus and community college classes. Her free time is spent studying, organizing activities for several academic and cultural clubs at school, serving as captain of the girls' tennis team, spending time with her family and helping lead a youth group "I don't like sitting around," she says. "In elementary school, I used to have the summers where I'd sit in front of the TV and not do anything. These summers, it's like I have purpose." It's not just summertime that inspires Luong. She has a purpose every day, in all she does. Education has been her main focus. When she heads to college this fall, she'll already be a sophomore. In addition to AP classes, she also has taken community college courses in the afternoons since her sophomore year, spanning subjects from calculus to chemistry to karate. Last year, she founded the first National Honor Society chapter at Valley High School to recognize the campus's high-achieving students. "There was no club to unite the honors students and I felt there needed to be one to give them recognition they deserve," she says. "Starting something new - it feels good because we're leaving a mark behind for other Valley students." The senior also has left her mark in other areas besides academics. She swung a tennis racket for the first time her freshman year and has been captain of the girl's varsity team the past three years. For more than a decade, she has spent her weekends with the Truc Lam Buddhist Youth Group, learning her family's language, history and culture. She enjoys the group's camping trips over spring breaks and summer vacation - a tradition she hopes to continue even when she's in college. Phi Luong credits her family with inspiring her to work hard and achieve. She says she stays up late every so often to finish homework or projects, while her mom, who is a seamstress, is up late every night working on clothes. Her five older sisters, who all attended college, give her constant support and encouragement. "Everyone really guides me and pushes me to try hard. My parents didn't have a high school education, and they always tell me education is how you will succeed. They say if I keep on studying, I can be the top of my class. And I did." When she heads off to college this fall, she won't have a master plan. Instead, it will be a moment to experiment and explore, finding the way. "I really don't know what I'm going to do in the future and I feel really lost. I'm open to trying new things. I actually have a lot of interests, so I'm just taking college like an exploring opportunity." No doubt whichever direction she heads, she will find opportunity. - By Jennifer Leuer Alejandra Osorio School information: This 17-year-old is the senior class secretary at Orange High School, a member of the National Honor Society, and two-time recipient of the Governor's Scholar Award. She is MVP of the girl's volleyball team and also played as a member of the all-league girl's team. Her hopes and dreams: "I think my main goal in life is to care about something bigger than myself. I want to make a difference. I want to leave the world better than how I found it. There will be an opportunity that will be presented and I hope that I can make a difference." Alejandra Osorio's life is about balance. She steadies herself between work and fun, mind and body, tradition and change. The teen ranks near the top of her Orange High School class, thanks to her academic achievements, and also enjoys all-league honors for her prowess on the volleyball court. She tackles AP and honors classes during the day, but is able to dedicate her after-school hours to student government activities and a part-time job. She is focused on the future and embraces change, but values and respects her family traditions. Indeed, this fall Alejandra will start a new chapter of her life on the same campus her dad and several cousins attended - USC. "It's kind of our family school," she says. "My dad was valedictorian of his class. I have a lot to live up to." Not that she has felt pressured to perform. Rather, her parents gave her inspiration and she has found the will to succeed from within. "My parents said, 'Just be you, be happy, and we'll support you,'" she says. "They never forced me to take honors classes. But I like the challenge. It's a lot of fun being challenged, and when you see that 'A' come home, you say, 'Yeah, I can do it.' It was fun to have my parents be proud of me. That's a big deal." Then she adds with a laugh, "I'm an only child. I'm their only shot to prove they're OK parents." Although Alejandra wants to please her family, she has also learned to be true to herself. "I don't really focus on trying to be normal. I've kind of learned being myself is the best I can be. I used to be a perfectionist. Now, if something doesn't fit my personality and doesn't work for me, then maybe it's just not what's supposed to happen." Part of learning to be comfortable in her own skin has meant balancing between her family roots and her individual inclinations. Alajandra was born in Columbia and considers her family quite traditional. But being raised in the United States has given her an affinity for change. When she visited her native land for the first time two years ago to visit family, she immediately felt at home. In fact, she didn't want to get on the plane to come back. "Most of the time, I'm all for change," she says. "My family is Hispanic and they're all about tradition. I like change, but some of the traditions I like and feel comfortable with. My family accepts me for who I am." As Alejandra sets out on the next leg of her search for who she will be in the future, she has a couple goals in mind. At USC, she may pursue communications and a career in advertising. She believes she can make a difference with advertising messages and use her creative skills for a greater good. But she also is considering a future as a pediatrician. "I think it would be really awesome to go and help families who can't afford medical care." Whatever her path, she anticipates balancing her college career with both fun and hard work. "I'm going to work hard and try to save money for college," she says of her summer plans. "I'm also going to get ready for my dorm. I'm really excited to pick out my sheets and stuff." - By Jennifer Leuer |
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