With the school year coming to an end and graduation around the corner, the school released the top 10 senior scholars. It’s safe to say that the students on the list really earned it. One student, Ateeb Chaudhry, is a smart young gentleman who placed third with a 4.1667 GPA, only missing second or first by having an A- and not an A. This one little grade made the difference, which just shows how high the standards are. However, third place is still a huge accomplishment.
I interviewed Ateeb and was curious about what it takes to get the grades he gets and maintain them, and he said, “Well, I study a lot more than what I think I’m going to every time.” I also asked him what it takes to get all the homework done in time and with quality work, and he said: “When it comes to getting my work done I am always trying to get it done fast enough so when I get my next piece of work it’s all I have to do or focus on.” Even after hearing him talk about all the work he has, it made me get stressed out.
Ateeb lives with his parents and says they are very supportive, always there for him, and push him to do his best. I asked him what his hardest class is, and he said, “AP chemistry by far, as some of the things we do there feel like they’re on a college level.” He also said that he stays up all night doing homework, which is some real dedication.
Even with all of the school work pressure, Ateeb still finds the time to play lacrosse for the school and if you ask most people they will say he’s pretty good at it for it being his first time playing.
Ateeb’s story is a reminder that hard work really pays off and that even when things get tough, staying focused and committed can take you far. The last question I asked Ateeb was to tell me something motivational and he said “Keep your face always toward the sunshine, and shadows will fall behind you.”
