Schools
Zest for life: Q & A with Michael Gao
The 17-year-old senior at Mills High School gives us his take on school and life.
What are your favorite subjects in school? This may sound a little dorky, but I've enjoyed all my classes and subjects in school. From US history to calculus, and even gym class, I've had a great time.
What is your viewpoint on school? My perspective is that it's not just a crowded place with grey walls where I have to spend six hours every day for 180 days. It's a place where students become scientists, engineers, athletes, historians, doctors and the list goes on. There are so many possibilities and opportunities within each subject and I just enjoy soaking it all in.
What are you interested in pursuing after high school? I developed an interest in civil and environmental engineering. Hopefully, I'll be a licensed professional engineer partaking in the green revolution that our country so desperately needs.
Find out what's happening in Millbraewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
What other ways have you gotten involved in school and/or the community? I love being involved with the community and being a part of volunteer organizations. A big one for me is being lieutenant governor of Key Club. I'm also a part of San Mateo Youth Commission, Mills High School Model United Nations, and my school site council. I'm not in these clubs to pack my resume, though. Oh, no. These activities really play a big part of my life. Heck, it's pretty much my social life! They've given me a sense of confidence and purpose. Coming home after a tree planting event or a community meeting or from hosting a training conference for Key Club, I feel such a warm fuzzy feeling because I've either made a difference in my community or made new friends or both!
How do you find time for all of this? In a 24-hour day, school and homework would probably take up about 11 hours. Sleeping and eating would be about seven hours. Facebook, sadly, would be about one to two hours. The remaining four is devoted to extracurricular stuff.
Find out what's happening in Millbraewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
What are you most passionate about? I have a passion for living life. Aspiring to be an engineer, going to school, and getting good grades is one thing. It's another thing to have plain fun! I love breakdancing, baking, eating food, reading, and probably everything else out there if given the opportunity to do it!
