A woman of firsts
Published 12:01 am Monday, June 13, 2011
Q: What’s unique about your high school career?
A: My counselor said I’ve been the first to do a lot of things. I took Senior Experience — it’s now called Personal Finance — my junior year. And this year and last year, I have simultaneously gone to three schools: Lynnwood High School, Sno-Isle Tech Skills Center and Edmonds Community College for Running Start.
Q: That must be overwhelming. What courses have you taken off the Lynnwood High campus?
A: At Sno-Isle, I’ve been in the veterinary assisting program. And I took two English classes, three math classes and two history classes at EdCC; this the only quarter I’m not going there.
Q: What are your plans for next year?
A: I’m going to Washington State University in a pre-vet program.
Q: That’s a competitive program. How are your grades?
A: Pretty good. I’ve had about a 3.7 GPA over four years. With my credits from EdCC, I’m going to try and get my bachelor’s degree in three years.
Q: You’re also a first in your family. Tell me about that.
A: I’m an only child. And I’ll be a first-generation college student, the first one in my family and my extended family to go to college.
Q: And you’re a scholarship winner too?
A: Yes, I was awarded a $2,000 scholarship from the Rotary Club of Everett. I’m also getting a scholarship from AAUW (American Association of University Women) for $1,000.
Q: Tell me more about your career choice.
A: I want to be a small animal veterinary orthopedic surgeon. I did an internship this year with Seattle Veterinary Specialists. I kept migrating back to surgery.
Q: You must be an animal lover. Do you have pets?
A: We have three dogs, two German shepherds and a Yorkie cairn terrier. The German shepherds are Rocket and Miya, and the terrier is Frosty. At college, I will miss my dogs. I’ve had animals living with me my entire life.
Q: How have you managed your time, while juggling classes at three different schools?
A: I’m really busy all the time. I really like school. I like to know stuff, except history. I like science and math.
Q: And you’re a musician too? What about other electives?
A: I’ve been in the orchestra four years. I play violin. I’ve played violin since fifth grade. I’ve also taken American Sign Language for three years.
Q: Have you had time for extracurricular activities?
A: I’ve played softball. Growing up I played with the Boys and Girls Club, and I played for Lynnwood High. I play any position. I’m a good hitter.
Q: If you have any spare time, how do you spend it?
A: I love reading. I got a Kindle and can carry lots of books. It’s so portable. I love it.
Q: Pullman is quite a change from Snohomish County. Have you visited WSU?
A: I went in October and had a tour. I really liked the campus atmosphere. I also did a tour of UW for my senior project. I had to do the project and didn’t want to drive back over to Pullman. I just didn’t like the layout of UW.
I’ll be living in a dorm at WSU. It will be different. I won’t miss all the rain; we’ll have more snow.
Julie Muhlstein: 425-339-3460, muhlstein@heraldnet.com.
