Cheryn Park, a recent Lake Cowichan Secondary School graduate, has lofty aspirations for her future — after a nice relaxing summer, that is.
Park was part of the 2012-13 graduating class of LCSS and was the recipient of several academic awards, which were given out at a ceremony June 27.
This year, Park took home the Allen Physics Trophy, which recognizes the top student in physics 12. She also won the Ardley Academic Trophy, an award given to the top academic student in Grade 12.
Park will be attending the University of Victoria in the fall. She has not picked her major yet but says she will be focusing on the sciences. Park hopes to become a doctor one day; she plans to obtain her MD and PhD.
The move to Victoria will be Park’s first time living away from home.
“I’m really looking forward to making new friends, the academic engagement, and the start of a new life,” says Park. “I’m excited for the independence, but I’m also freaked out to be living by myself.”
Always an exceptional student, Park has some words of advice for students who will be attending high school next year — and they may not be what you were expecting.
“I myself was too focused academically in high school,” says Park. “I would say you can take it easy and focus on having a social life as well as getting your education; it’s in university that your grades really matter.”
After a hard and busy final year of high school, Park has earned a summer of rest and relaxation, but the learning never stops for this young academic.
“I’m just going to catch up on some reading,” says Park. “I’m also going to hang out with friends and maybe do some travelling.”