By Matthew Kwan, Graduating Senior
Kwan, then a sophomore, (middle) stands smiling alongside Rampage staff, now alumni, at the 2019 TCHS graduation ceremony.
As cliché as it is, high school can transform a person into someone completely different from who they were on that first day of freshman year. Four years of tumultuous stress and happiness will inevitably change anyone, but it’s up to each student how they choose to be impacted. For me, there are several experiences and people that are particularly crucial to shaping me into who I am today.
Rampage
Kwan (top left) sits in a Zoom video chat with fellow senior Rampage staff taking a picture for the Rams of Ren assembly.
Joining Rampage originally began as a way for me to further pursue my interests in writing, but I soon found myself adopted into a group of creative misfits that have become like family to me. From exciting late night food runs with fellow staff to bonding over mutual hardships, Rampage became much more than a place to just create newspapers, but a fun journey that helped me grow as a person alongside others.
Even into the pandemic, Rampage saved me from the burnout many of my peers faced by giving me something to look forward to, something to plan and proudly take responsibility for. There were many days when I was only looking forward to seeing my staff again, planning activities and brainstorming ideas with them in hopes that they’ll be able to experience through Zoom the kinship I and the returning staff members shared.
Though the past three years with Rampage haven’t always been sunshine and smiles, I don’t regret a single bit of it. Rampage showed me the value of having a good support group, people who care about you and genuinely want to see you prosper. I’m so grateful to all the friends I’ve made through Rampage and the aid they’ve given me, I love them all more than they’ll ever know.
Sister City Exchange
As a student ambassador for the Temple City to Australia Sister City Exchange trip, Kwan (middle) poses with his exchange family.
When I was chosen to be a student ambassador for Temple City to Australia, I looked forward to seeing the Sydney Opera House and visiting touristy spots like Bondi or Manly. Yet, when I reminisce now the best memories I had weren’t of the touristy activities, but of crazy nighttime bush-trekking, wildly large bonfires made from leftover barbeque wood and figuring out with friends how to bring ice cream across Sydney Harbour via ferry without melting for our novice brownies.
Despite the fact that those memories practically could have been made anywhere, it took a trip halfway across the world to make me appreciate the smaller moments of life. Too often before I was so absorbed with achieving big moments that would be memorable and make me stand out that I overlooked the friendships and memories I made along the way. Though it’s too late to change the past, it’s never too late to change your aspect of the future.
The English Department
If I had to credit the person for helping me see a future in a world apart from STEM, it would be Mr. Lieu for introducing me to Rampage. If I had to recall my most memorable lesson in high school, it would be the teachings of Freud and Jung with Mr. Smith and how their ideas are everywhere in our world. If I had to thank someone for restoring confidence in my own writing, it would be Ms. Neufeld with her ever-helpful feedback and positive attitude that helped me consistently improve. If I had to pinpoint who helped me find closure within myself, it would be Ms. Hadikusumah and her patience as I ranted about my life for college essays.
Looking back at my high school career, I’m incredibly indebted to the English department on campus. While many of my friends flocked to the STEM courses which I loathed, my English classes became a solace for me as I found what I genuinely enjoyed doing and my teachers showed me opportunities that broadened my peer-influenced impressions of success to beyond careers in medicine and engineering.
Closing Thoughts
Whether in-person or over Zoom, the experiences and people we choose to surround ourselves with, shape who we are. Though several of us tend to lose ourselves in academics, it’s important to take a look at how far you’ve grown and acknowledge those who’ve pushed you to be who you are today.