LFHS Top 10 Spotlight: Juan Pablo Alvarado

Parents: Juan Pablo Alvarado and Amy Alvarado

Siblings: Joaquin Alvarado (11) and Patricio Alvarado (11) – twins

Previously: Olmito Elementary School (Grades 4 and 5), Resaca Middle School (Grades 6-8)

College: I have been accepted to Princeton University, Rice University, Harvard University, and Columbia University, but I have just selected Princeton University.

Major: Chemical Engineering

Inspiration for academic success: My inspiration for my academic success stems from a wide range of motivators. From being a role model for my younger siblings to simply trying to be the best that I could be. My family has always been very supportive of me in anything that I do, so doing my best in school was a form of giving back to them. In addition, I have always looked at school as an investment of my time towards my future. If I put in the work right now, then it would pay off in the long run.

Study habits: When it comes down to studying, I have basically done it all. From planning ahead and studying with friends to procrastinating and staying up until five in the morning. It varies from class to class, and it just depends on how hectic that individual week is. The one thing that remains constant, however, is that I will find a way to complete what I have to do. I have discovered what works best for me is to write things down, discuss them with either friends or teachers, and watch videos on the given content.

Plans after undergraduate degree: My plans after my undergraduate degree are still not set. What I do know, however, is that while I am working on my undergraduate studies, I will take advantage of both research and internship opportunities so that I can create a network of connections for myself and gain the necessary experience I need to be successful in the future. While I am unsure about the level of education I want to pursue, I will use the network I create for myself in order to begin working as a chemical engineer as soon as possible.

Career Plans: I would like to become a chemical engineer after my undergraduate studies. As to the specialization of chemical engineer that I would go into, I will determine that after the experience I gained through my research and internships. If I do pursue a higher level of education after my undergraduate studies, however, I would like to dedicate a part of my life to becoming a scientist and conducting research.

Advice to younger students to succeed academically: Looking back at my experience from elementary through high school, there are definitely many things I wish I did differently. The advice I would give to younger students would be to find their passion and go as far as they can with it. A grade is not a representation of success. Instead, embrace your failures, your challenges, and the knowledge you would hence gain from a class. No student should take a class because it’s easy nor should they drop it if their grade is not as high as they would like it to be. As long as you manage your time wisely and dedicate yourself, you will be able to enjoy your youth alongside being a strong student.