“My advice to online students is that the ripple effect is real! And, stepping outside of your comfort zone can reward you by leaps and bounds!” – Luna S.
“Luna is a star! In high school, she was an active member of the NCVPS Peer Tutoring Center. During her time, she served as a Team Lead, participated in the AP Initiative, delivered presentations on behalf of the PTC, and tutored many students. Her contributions have made a lasting impact! She is now studying in an MD program at her dream school and her future is so bright! She is a shining example of how hard work, dedication, and engagement can open pathways for success! Go Luna!” – NCVPS Peer Tutoring Center Instructional Leader, Kendall Nifong
Luna’s Story
I definitely have a “run-don’t-walk” personality. My family describes me as a “bright flame” because I know what I want and feel that taking the time to get there can be frustrating. I also believe that life has storms and rocky events, but I know that everything will run its course.
A lot of storms for me were rejection. I was turned down from a dream program in my sophomore year and faced rejection from various colleges. However, I learned to brush it off. Looking at it from a third-person perspective makes me think my situation is so silly and truly is what you make out of it. In the end, I went with my gut and was proven right two years later, now attending my dream school. I know there are many students like me; you may offer a lot of passion and dedication to people, and they still may turn you down, but it’s important to have confidence in yourself. Be the first person to validate your efforts and keep striving.
Online Experience
Two years ago, I was simply a student who turned to NCVPS for a language credit. Then a tutor for volunteer hours. I wasn’t planning on getting involved any further. But then the combination of NCVPS needing an open house speaker and one free afternoon turned into me sitting in a Zoom call with around thirty adults. It was terrifying because you couldn’t even see the faces people were making! But learning how to speak to adults and carry yourself with confidence are skills I’ve gained from NCVPS. Now, in a classroom of thirty silent students, I speak up because you really can do no harm in having a conversation with your professor. I often look back upon that first day I helped with Open House, then joined the Advisory Council, then presented in front of State Superintendent Green, and finally accepted this award.
Life Outside of School
Outside of academics, I love playing games on Steam with my friends until 4 AM. Our top games are R.E.P.O., Peak, and Meccha!
I love trying new makeup styles like Arcane, Douyin, and glam! Taking pictures with friends while dressing up is very therapeutic.
If any of you have seen my profile on Brainfuse, you’ll know I love taking care of my pet chickens! My favorite’s name is Wanning, the one pictured.
On my own, I love immersing myself in different manhwas like Omniscient Reader, Noblesse, and Tower of God.
Goals & Future Plans
My goal this quarter was to not overload myself, but I genuinely couldn’t help it! Now I’m juggling like twenty different things, but that’s what I signed myself up for. Now my goal is not to burn out.
I’m currently a part of the Duke-NUS MD pathway, so I will be heading to Singapore for Medical School. The goal is to become a dermatologist who also advocates for people with intellectual disabilities.
Personal Note
I would like to give a special thank you to:
Kendall Nifong for helping me lead Team 7 and for nominating me for this award! Crystal Pullen for offering me a position on the Advisory Council and breaking me out of my shell!
Coach Miki for making Japanese I & II my favorite and inspiring me to continue my language journey!
The PTC’s incredibly kind community and NCVPS for all the opportunities that have come my way and that I am eternally grateful for.
