Super Kid: Claire Chisholm, Monroe senior, advancing to scientific studies

Q: What is your schedule like?

A: I am currently taking four (advanced placement) classes, which are AP western literature, AP government, AP statistics and AP biology. I am also taking business math, which is the first period, a good time to wake up.

Q: Why are you taking so many AP courses?

A: I enjoy challenging classes. I like the structure and the speed of the classes. Of course, there are times I am up at two in the morning cursing myself for it. In the end, I plan to get into a top college for a career in toxicology.

I am interested in something related to pharmaceuticals because I want to make sure side effects don't outweigh the symptoms. My grandmother was diagnosed with lymphoma two years ago. She was a very powerful lady, and she shrunk with the chemotherapy and cancer. She made it through, but it caught my attention.

Q: You belong to the Monroe High School LINK Crew. Could you explain what LINK is?

A: LINK is a freshman welcoming group. It aims to break the stereotype that freshmen are picked on or that they are not liked. The main job is to make them feel welcome and that they have somebody they can go to for help.

I was a leader in my junior year, but the freshmen were self-sufficient. Now, I am a commissioner. I enjoy the organizational aspects. I like handling the money and figuring out the schedule. I feel better to stand back and let others shine.

I like to help. I am also president of the Key Club and treasurer for the National Honor Society.

Q: What colleges are you applying for?

A: This summer I went to the San Francisco and Los Angeles areas. My main interest is toxicology, but the major is not as common on the West Coast as the East Coast. I loved U.C. Berkeley and U.C. Davis. I am definitely applying at those. My dream school is Cal Tech, but it's very hard to get into. I'm 4.0 in GPA, but out of 5,000 (applications) only 230 are accepted.

Q: What do you do for fun?

A: I love ultimate Frisbee. We played that all last year at Lake Tye. At first, I had no idea how to play. (Friends) taught me how. I'm not coordinated, but for some reason Frisbee clicked with me. It's fun. I also like cooking and decorating cakes for my friends. They get very elaborate.

When I'm stressed, I like climbing trees. My friends hate playing hide-and-seek with me because I'm always up in the trees.

Q: What about reading? What is your favorite book?

A: I have a list of books I will read someday. I always wanted to read "The Vampire Lestat," but I have never had a chance to do it. I really like listening to books. I never got the print versions of the Harry Potter books. I listened to them. The narrator was really fun. I always like to be read to. I like fantasy and historical fiction.

Alejandro Dominguez: 425-339-3422; adominguez@heraldnet.com.