Connie Chen, Class of 2021 (University of Notre Dame 聖母大學 US #15)

Dear TopScore Students,

As a Senior who has only been with the TopScore program for barely over a year, I cannot even describe how amazing this academy is! I honestly have no idea what I would have done without the help of Johnny and the teachers here. The tutors and counselors here have exceptional character and don’t take in students merely just to see them go off to get good SAT/ACT/AP scores and then off to the most prestigious colleges...they build a firm foundation for your mind and soul to enrich your character growth. Throughout one short year, Johnny has helped guide me in my path towards college, preparing me for what is ahead. The wisdom and countless advice he has given me in my near-death-experience (ha ha?) of Junior year has helped me push through the hardest times and emerge stronger both emotionally and spiritually. Going to Johnny’s office is like watching a Ted-Talk...each time I talk to him I feel inspired to push harder to become the best I can be. 

Time for my advice (wooooo)! Over the last year, I lived on one of my favorite quotes from author John C. Maxwell ,“The greatest enemy of good thinking is busyness”. With stacked AP classes, athletics, clubs, and an attempt to keep up on your social life, you may feel as if there is no time to spare for yourself. To that I say: there’s always time! You just need to make space for it. One of the most important things that got me through high school was contemplation and prayer. The alone time I gave myself allowed me to reflect on everything I was doing and it was often during my alone time that I found my own inspirations, mistakes I have made, and ways in which I can improve and grow. You may feel as if “quietness” is a waste of time, but it really isn’t; we often need this time to allow our brains to process over our activities. 

This is so so so important...don’t compare yourself with others! You have been given your own talents and gifts: spend time trying to find and understand them. Think of your peers as not your competitors but friends who can build you up. Remember, your peers are only the tiniest fraction of the millions of high school students in the world. Don’t focus on the competition, focus on the big picture. 

Never stop smiling! Appreciate every opportunity you have been given, not every kid out there has these vast windows of possibilities.  You’re getting a great education, you’re smart, brilliant, and definitely capable of achieving great things. Believe in yourself. Having that positive mindset will take you far in life anywhere you go. Jia yo and work hard!