Discus Award Winner
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Mitou Nguyen
12th Grade, CA
ATTRIBUTES
Academics
I work hard to keep my GPA up and challenge myself with Honors courses. Because my school goes by the French curriculum, most of my courses are taught in French: nevertheless, I overcame the language barrier and excelled in all my courses. I have also won numerous awards, like National Merit Commended Student for the PSAT, AP Scholar with Distinction (despite having no AP courses offered at school), and ELC winner for placing top 3 in my senior class.
Athletics
I fell in love with synchronized swimming when I saw my sister swim in 2000. When I dive into the water and the music plays, I am lost in my own world and pour my soul into my routines. However, synchronized swimming is a traditionally female sport. I had to overcome sexism to thrive as the only competitive male junior synchro swimmer in the entire nation. My determination led me to become the first National Top Ten Finalist in the 16-17 age group in my club’s entire 50 year history.
Community Service
I find joy in giving back to the community that has contributed so much to my growth into a young adult. Every summer since I was 7 years old, I volunteer at the local aquatics center where I first began swimming and teach children how to swim. During the school year, I volunteer in my synchronized swimming club and coach swimmers of all levels. In 2008, I helped rebuild homes in New Orleans because the hurricane victims faced hardships that my parents have experienced as well.
