Eileen: National Merit Scholar Achieves Dream

By: Tian R. and Caitlin F.

Harvard Crest

           Earning the title of National Merit Scholar in early April, Eileen (‘13) has certainly demonstrated her exceptional academic talents and work ethic, which allowed her to be accepted into five Ivy League universities: Harvard, Princeton, Yale, University of Pennsylvania, and Dartmouth. Though this appears to be an impossible task to achieve, Eileen has proven how hard work and dedication are instrumental in achieving one's dreams. Ambitious and determined in all of her endeavors, Eileen is the embodiment of the school's graduate profile.

             Eileen applied to Ivy leagues in hopes of receiving "the best overall experience" as an undergraduate. "They just have more resources, more money, and more committed alumni in comparison to other schools," Eileen reasoned. She and her family were thrilled to learn that she had managed this out-standing feat. "It was unimaginable for me, and it has been an interesting experience,” Eileen remarked.  "It still doesn‘t feel real!”

             Though much has been accomplished, there is still much ahead for Eileen. She plans to major in biology or biological sciences, with a minor in humanities, and is considering a career as an oncologist. Nevertheless, Eileen, like most seniors, is still undecided. ”I have a lot of time and I‘m confident that I‘ll figure out what I want to be after exploring all of my opportunities in college,” she said.

             Eileen has chosen to attend Harvard University, since she believes it offers the most favorable academic, extracurricular, and social atmosphere. Along with these factors, Harvard‘s location in Boston was a critical factor in making her decision. 

             As a National Merit Scholar, Eileen  knows what it takes to achieve the impossible. Though the journey certainly hasn't been the easiest, hard work, dedication, determination, and academic talents have enabled Eileen to seize hold of her dream and will give her the tools she needs to achieve so much more.