So far, the quest for a successful adult life hasn’t been easy for An, largely because of how she dealt with stress in her freshmen year. “Last year, I was struggling to find balance and I barely had any energy. I would procrastinate, and then get stressed out trying to get things done at the last minute. Finals were... not perfect, because I started studying for them the day before, and had multiple panic attacks. It was really scary,” An admitted. “Procrastination is such a terrible habit and I recommend anybody to break it. It's almost like an addiction; it gives you short happiness but once you snap out of it, you're so behind and have a lot to deal with.”
Like many other students, An’s elective was the only class she found solace in.
“Journalism was the one class last year I actually enjoyed. It’s refreshing, like getting what you need to say out,” An said. “I chose it as an elective because I’ve always wanted to be a TV reporter. As a kid I would stand in front of the TV and pretend to be a weatherman.”
This year, An wants to do things differently, and her schedule reflects that. “It’s easier to focus and study when I’m more interested in the subjects,” An said. “I’ve definitely put too much on my plate. But if you want something, you have to work for it- it makes the goal more worthwhile.”
Concerning long term goals, An wants to find work not only in her own academic safe haven, but also create a safe haven for others.
“Maybe a humanitarian/journalist, I really love helping people,” An said.
Further, An started reading self-help books and watching Ted Talks on psychology over the summer. They focus on the benefits of having a growth, rather than fixed mindset. “Not because I have low self esteem,” An said. “I just like to improve myself and make sure I’m the person I want to be. I really hope I can do it.”
Ji An, Current Events Editor
| Jan 08, 2017 | School versus snow: Q&A with Superintendent Ludwig (Media) |
| Dec 17, 2016 | Snow day Q&A with Mills (Media) |
| Apr 22, 2016 | Out With the Old, In With the New (Story) |
| Jan 12, 2016 | Signs of cheer (Story/Media) |
| Oct 29, 2015 | A concert to remember (Story) |
| Oct 27, 2015 | We’re not in Kazakhstan anymore (Story) |
| Oct 02, 2015 | From the San Diego Bay to Downtown Portland (Story) |
| Sep 29, 2015 | A Returning Legend (Story) |
| Jun 02, 2015 | WLHS State finalists win awards at International Science and Engineering Fair competition (Story) |
| May 28, 2015 | Growing up with notes and keys makes its allegrezza exit (Story) |
| May 21, 2015 | Lions dine on the street (Story) |
| May 08, 2015 | The comment is mightier than the sword (Story) |
| Apr 15, 2015 | Robotics team placement paves way to international competition (Story) |
| Apr 09, 2015 | West Linn Model UN club attending MUN Conference this weekend (Story) |
| Apr 01, 2015 | Cinderella grows from a classic Disney animation into a sophisticated movie (Story) |
| Mar 20, 2015 | Two WLHS Freshmen girls claim seats in America’s First Youth Orchestra (Story) |
| Mar 17, 2015 | Two WLHS freshmen girls claim seats in America’s first Youth Orchestra (Story) |
| Mar 17, 2015 | Take part in Community Service Day to represent “West Linn Strong” (Story) |
| Mar 11, 2015 | Albertsons in West Linn and Lake Oswego to be replaced with Haggen (Story) |
| Dec 15, 2014 | Hikin’ like Harry (Story) |
| Oct 21, 2014 | It’s going to get bloody tomorrow (Story) |