Although senior Jennifer Shin comes across as an average, typical high school student, there lies more beneath those black horn-rimmed glasses and long, straight hair. Unlike some of her peers who are currently stressed with college applications and their next four years, Shin has already tremendously reduced her stress in regards to college. This is because Shin was accepted to the University of Notre Dame as an Early Action application in November with a full-ride scholarship.
Shin’s dream school may have been the prestigious Johns Hopkins University, she finds Notre Dame an amazing place of opportunity. She stated, “Notre Dame’s pre-med program is pretty good. Also, I am Catholic and I like how there is a spiritual connection to be made at the school.” Shin has been interested in pursuing a career in the medical field ever since she was young. Shin noted, “A lot of my family members have been ill so I feel like I was exposed to a side of the medical field early on. My cousin is also a doctor so I feel like I received some inspiration from him.”
Her main interest revolved around pre-med, it comes to no surprise that AP Biology was Shin’s favorite class during her high school career. To pursue her passion further, Shin worked as a receptionist at the University of California, Irvine’s Medical Center during the summer. What she took away from that opportunity however, was an eye-opening experience: “Working at the medical center showed me the everyday schedule for doctors and patients. I was able to look at procedures such as guiding patients to their rooms and other related work,” she divulged.
Among many other things, Shin has participated in a variety of extracurricular activities. During her sophomore year, she competed as a JV basketball athlete. Currently, she remains involved through a board position on the Pre-Med, Relay for Life, and Families Forward clubs. As much as she spends time at home studying or at the internship working, Shin does not fail to devote her time to the food drives and soup kitchens. Shin, reminiscing, commented, “People living in Irvine don’t get to see the poor and live in a bubble where they don’t realize that people who live so close by are dealing with hardships so opposite form those in this area.”
On top of her early acceptance that is heaping coal on to the fire of her excitement for her senior year, Shin is very expectant of her upcoming graduation. She quipped happily, “I am excited to get out of here.” After graduation, Shin plans to spend her summer “worry-free” by travelling to different countries like Italy or South Korea. Her extraordinary work ethic, determination, and passion will undoubtedly pave her road to her dreams and success. Congratulations Jennifer!