Q. In what grade are you currently enrolled?

A. I am currently in 12th grade at Emmaus High School.

Q. What is your favorite subject? Why?

A. My favorite subject is science. Whether it is biology, chemistry or physics, I always find the content extremely fascinating. Learning how the universe and everything in it works is both fun and interesting. The reason why I love these classes so much is that I can easily see their applications to the world around us. I have also had fantastic teachers that helped foster my interest in science during these last four years.

Q. Have you received any special awards or recognition?

A. I have been on the Principal’s Honor Roll since freshman year. I also received the National Merit Scholarship Program Letter of Commendation this year and the AP Scholar Award with Distinction. In addition, I placed in a variety of programming, math, quiz bowl and science competitions over the past three years including fifth place at the American Computer Science League All Star Contest, honorable mention at the Delaware Valley Science Fair and qualifying for the 2018 National Quiz Bowl Competition.

Q. Are you involved in any extracurricular activities?

A. I am a captain of the debate team, president of the academic team, vice president of the American Computer Science League Club, vice president of Science Olympiad, secretary of the Pennsylvania Math League Club, a member of National Honor Society and a member of No Place for Hate. I also play the bass in the EHS chamber orchestra.

Q. What is your next goal after high school?

A. After high school, I will be studying biomedical engineering at Johns Hopkins University, where I plan to nurture my passion for the sciences, math and computers by taking advantage of the opportunities there in order to prepare myself for my future career.

Q. What do you consider your biggest challenge to date?

A. My biggest challenge to date has been dealing with my self-confidence as a young student. Going into high school, I had little confidence in my ability to succeed which hurt my motivation and work ethic. Over time, I learned to focus on doing the best that I can possibly do which helped me rise above my expectations.

Q. For what would you like to be remembered?

A. I hope to be remembered for my enthusiasm. Whether I’m in class, at a club meeting or getting ready for a competition, I usually try to maintain a positive attitude. I believe that people perform their best when they are excited about what they are about to do, because a negative mentality can only pull you down. I hope that all of the underclassmen that I have interacted with share my enthusiasm for their classes and activities because that will help them both succeed and stay happy.

Q. Who is in your family?

A. My parents are Viraj and Niketu Patel. My younger brother’s name is Sajan and my younger sister’s name is Julena.

Q. Whom do you admire? Why?

A. I admire my parents. Both of them worked extremely hard and overcame many obstacles so that my siblings and I did not have to face their same hardships. I am very thankful for all they have done for me, so I make it a point to work just as hard as they do and continue to reach greater heights.

Q. Do you have any advice for your peers?

A. My advice would be to always have confidence in yourself. Life will be full of hard decisions and difficult situations, but you should always know that you have primed yourself to make the best possible choices when faced with these situations. If you have confidence that you are on your way to achieving your goals, you will definitely find success. You can accomplish any goal as long as you tell yourself, “I can do it.”