Arcadia High School

My achievements in design, academics, and leadership

Overview

During my time at Arcadia High School, I immersed myself in multi-faceted coursework, from honors and AP-level classes to advanced design projects. I graduated Salutatorian (GPA 3.97/4.0), reflecting a commitment to both academic rigor and broad creative exploration. Whether excelling in AP Computer Science A (score of 5), or working on digital arts and promotional posters, I embraced each challenge with adaptability, technical precision, and innovative thinking—the same qualities that continue to guide my professional pursuits today.


Highlights and Responsibilities

1. Salutatorian & Academic Distinction

  • Academic Excellence

    • Maintained a 3.97 GPA while tackling courses like AP Calculus AB (scored 5), Honors-level math (Geometry (H), Algebra 2 (H), Precalculus), AP Physics, and more.
    • Achieved 5 in AP Computer Science A, emphasizing my proficiency in object-oriented programming, data structures, and algorithmic problem-solving.
    • Demonstrated the dedication, leadership, and discipline required for Salutatorian honors.

  • High SAT Subject & Language Scores

    • Scored 790 on SAT Mathematics Level II, underscoring strong analytical skills.
    • Achieved 800 on Chinese Listening, reflecting bilingual communication capacity.

2. Advanced Design & Creative Projects

  • Speech & Debate Team Poster

    • Won the schoolwide design contest from hundreds of submissions.
    • Used Adobe Photoshop & Illustrator to develop a bold poster that significantly increased awareness for the team, showcased in every classroom and across campus.

  • Annual Art Exhibition Poster & Artwork

    • Created the official poster for the Arcadia High School Art Exhibition: integrated modern typography and vibrant color schemes to attract broader attendance.
    • Had a digital collage piece (Tibet-themed) selected for display—showcasing my artistic vision and ability to craft compelling digital designs.

3. Applied Problem-Solving & Technical Foundations

  • Strong STEM Preparation

    • Embraced a rigorous math/science trajectory (including AP Calculus AB and AP Physics), enhancing my logical reasoning and computational thinking.
    • AP Computer Science A laid an early foundation in structured programming, an asset for tackling diverse coding projects later on.

  • Programming Club Involvement

    • Served as an active member of the school’s programming club, where I further developed my coding skills through group challenges and personal side projects.
    • Experimented with Python in my spare time—writing mini-games like the classic Snake—honing logic, debugging techniques, and bridging concepts from my formal CS coursework.

  • Graphic & Digital Media Courses

    • Progressed from Graphic Design to Advanced Graphic Design, mastering design principles (composition, color, typography) and professional software (Photoshop, Illustrator).
    • Completed hands-on projects in branding, digital imaging, and print layout—skills that translate well into modern tech environments requiring UI/UX insights.

4. Leadership, Teamwork & Communication

  • Event Coordination & Collaboration

    • Worked with faculty and peers to conceptualize, iterate on, and deliver design solutions for schoolwide events (Art shows, Speech & Debate campaigns).
    • Presented drafts, managed deadlines, and adapted design feedback—reflecting strong team communication and the ability to handle real-world stakeholder expectations.

  • Art Club Participation

    • Engaged with the Art Club to exchange ideas, critique peer work, and collaborate on multi-student art displays—cultivating an environment of creative synergy.
    • Embraced experimentation in mixed media and digital arts, reinforcing the importance of iterative design and open-minded brainstorming, which align with agile processes.


Project Outcomes

  • Enhanced Campus Engagement: Effective design led to increased attendance at exhibitions, motivated new participants in clubs, and underscored the power of compelling visuals in influencing user (student) behavior.
  • Recognized Versatility: Earning top academic standing and design accolades demonstrated a dual strength in analytical and creative realms—skills that parallel today’s tech-driven workplaces, where user-centric solutions and robust problem-solving are key.


Personal Passion: Coding Beyond the Classroom

I remember my alarm clock beeping at dawn, but I was never too tired to code. Early on, I honed my skills by creating simple mobile apps—like an anti-theft feature for phones and mini-games to teach children mathematics. One of my favorite projects was a timer-based math game, designed to help my cousin (who disliked math) develop a love for numbers through playful competition. The app included:

  • User Registration: Gamified setup for new users.
  • Progressive Questions: Ranging from simple to advanced, testing quick thinking.
  • Leaderboard: Encouraged friendly competition and higher engagement.

Seeing my cousin’s excitement—and the resulting improvement in his math grades—reinforced how programming can uplift and inspire. This experience, combined with my high school’s AP Computer Science curriculum and programming club environment, fueled my belief that code is as much a creative medium as any form of art.


Personal Growth & Reflection

  • Technical & Creative Synergy

    • Fusing code logic with imaginative interfaces taught me how user experience and practical function go hand in hand.
    • Exploring mini-projects like tilt-based games or math-focused apps sharpened my ability to transform abstract concepts into user-friendly designs.

  • From Idea to Impact

    • Witnessing how a small app drastically changed my cousin’s perception of math validated my conviction that technology can spark personal growth and real-world impact.
    • This ethos—building solutions that engage and motivate—continues to guide my approach in all subsequent projects.


Final Thoughts

My journey at Arcadia High School combined high-level academics, hands-on creative endeavors, and community-driven leadership. Excelling in AP coursework, designing for prominent school events, and placing a premium on team collaboration gave me the adaptability, discipline, and vision to thrive in a variety of technical and artistic realms. Whether coding educational games or designing dynamic posters, I’ve learned the importance of innovation, precision, and clear communication—principles that guide my ongoing growth as a developer and as a creator eager to make a difference.


Additional Resources