Zack
Zach is currently in medical school at UC Davis, after receiving his B.S. in Biomedical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University.
“Stanford OHS was in its second year when I was a senior there. There were only nine students in my graduating class. It was a very tight-knit group and everyone enjoyed it,” Zack recalled. “I was very excited to be part of this new concept, and that I was able to take university-level classes, which was not something readily available at schools everywhere.”
Looking back, Zack said the time he was at the Stanford OHS really helped him adjust to college life academically.
“The structure of classes at the Stanford OHS is really similar to college. You are constantly engaged in discussions about various topics, whether it is before, during, or after class,” he said. “On the one hand, you learn very quickly that you are responsible for your own success. You have to work hard to do well. But on the other hand, you also know that there are others—fellow students, instructors, and staff—who genuinely care about your education.”
When Zack came to campus to attend graduation June 2013 with his sister Bethany who was a senior at Stanford OHS at the time, he was impressed with the growth of the school. But he was also happy to see some things hadn’t changed.
“The student body didn’t change at all. These are the same kind of intellectually curious students as those during my time at the school,” said Zack. “I’m also very glad to see that even with the many new instructors, the high caliber of the teachers is still the same.”
Academics aside, Zack also enjoyed student life at Stanford OHS.
“One of my fondest memories was the culinary club’s recipe exchange at Christmas. Dr. Scarborough was the club advisor. We all made pecan pies. It was so much fun!”
When asked to give some words of advice to fellow Pixels, Zack paused for a moment and said, “Live honestly and passionately. Don’t be afraid to be who you are, and continue to be passionate about what you really like. Sometimes we get caught up in career decisions, but it is important to stay grounded and simply do things because you love doing them."