Our seniors have reached the summit of the infamous college application process, receiving their letters of admission, going through boxes of tissues, and enduring the last stretch of their high school careers! In just a few months, they will welcome a new chapter of their lives and take a step towards the great unknown. Some consider this reality that conceals itself within the near future a thrilling sensation, whereas others prefer to avoid the thought at all costs. However, time will eventually reveal the endeavors you are meant to pursue and the people who will support you along the way. Our 2023 valedictorian Camille Khong and film genius Hunaina Hirji (class of 2024) serve as testaments to the claim that “everything will work out in the end.” These two YLHS alumni were kind enough to enlighten me about their current projects, internships, and college experiences. It is safe to say that they have already achieved great success in such little time and simultaneously discovered their underlying passions.
Camille Khong
I had the pleasure of making some of my earliest high school memories with Camille throughout her service as president of YLHS’s Future Business Leaders of America Club. Camille Khong is currently a sophomore at Wellesley College, double majoring in economics and education studies. She works as a student ambassador for the college’s admission office and plays an active role in its Asian Student Union, specifically within the inclusion chair. Additionally, Khong recently finished her research internship at an MIT lab that focused on the prevalence of poverty and various methods of alleviating its detriments. The research evaluated whether artificial intelligence and computer-assisted learning platforms possessed the potential to improve average scores on middle school math assessments. She expressed her excitement towards experimenting with real-life conflicts that correlated with her biggest interests – education and economics. Camille Khong advises all high school students to “Be open to any experiences that come your way and put your whole self into them.” Although the concept of nonchalance has been widely accepted and practiced, she strongly believes that everything should be approached wholeheartedly and sincerely.
Hunaina Hirji
I still consider Hunaina one of my closest friends due to her unwavering faith in me and guidance that aided me throughout my high school experiences, whether it was navigating friendships or discussing future education routes. She is currently majoring in film production with a minor in entrepreneurship at Chapman University. Hirji deems her freshman year an incredible opportunity to explore her personal identity and establish the overarching purpose behind her work. She is a member of Chapman’s professional cinematic fraternity, Delta Kappa Alpha, which has introduced her to a broader network of film creators. Hirji has even applied her passion and knowledge beyond the scope of her education by attending multiple industry events and master classes with filmmakers such as Damien Chazelle, Selena Gomez, and Amanda Seyfried! Outside of class, this former mustang launched her own photography and videography business – H² Productions. Hunaina Hirji says, “Starting my own company has been a personal goal of mine for a while, and it’s been very rewarding to finally build it.” She advises current YLHS students to maintain an open mindset towards all aspects of life, welcoming every opportunity with a sense of gratitude. Some of our greatest accomplishments stem from the slightest tinge of curiosity.
