Whisking the batter together, Aimee Wang (12) breathes in the tender smell of cheesecake brownies. Once the mix flows smoothly, Aimee positions the batter into the mold, preparing to send the wondrous little treats into the oven. For Aimee, most of her hobbies begin with a spark of curiosity, from which Aimee strings together a series of reunions.

“If I see something interesting, and I want to learn more about it, that’s a source of motivation,” Aimee said. “I don’t think I approach any of my interests with a concrete end-term goal because, a lot of the time, you can’t see that far. Even if I hit that interim goal, I always have to have another one, so I go into what I’m interested in and then see where that takes me as I go.”

When Aimee first picked up research, it happened through a summer program after 10th grade that cultivated a seed of enthusiasm for investigation and observation. After that experience, Aimee decided to continue research throughout the rest of her highschool career. Currently, her main project involves observing and analyzing the effects of ocean conditions on abalone. While exploring and studying marine science, Aimee has emphasized the importance of familiarizing herself with research operations and techniques.

“With research, especially at the highschool level, it’s very unlikely that you’re going to make a giant discovery, but the rewarding part of it is learning the process and going through the work, so that you can understand what science and academia is like,” Aimee said.

While away from work, Aimee relocates her interests in her leisure activities and pastimes. In particular, she spends time gardening, an investment that carries over to her research.

“Gardening is more of a hobby, but my research is also earth sciences because that’s the field I’m interested in, which might transfer over to what I do and what I enjoy in my free time as well,” Aimee said.

Aimee loves plants, particularly the Monstera deliciosa. Nicknamed the Swiss cheese plant, it boasts curious little holes on its rotund leaves. At home, a rack in Aimee’s room manifests an angel’s garden. Upon those racks, Aimee takes care of an assortment of plants, which she hopes she can bring to college the upcoming school year.

“With gardening, I don’t know how feasible that is because a lot of colleges don’t have communal gardens, but I think most colleges do let you bring plants into your room,” Aimee said. “It’s a nice way to add life, especially in a dorm where you’re in a much smaller space than at home.”

Similar to the manner in which Aimee approaches her research and gardening, she commits herself to her duties in school, taking her assignments and reaching for the sky. Upper school computer science teacher Anu Datar, who taught Aimee computer science in her freshman and junior years, elaborates on the genius Aimee exudes in class.

“Aimee showed amazing affinity to computer science, and she absorbed all the material really well,” Datar said. “She took it beyond what the typical curriculum expects you to. She flew with the material and did a lot more with it.”

Aimee’s determination demonstrates itself outside the classroom as well. When Aimee spends time with friends, they perceive her hard work and abilities just as strongly as Datar does. Alina Yuan (12), who has known Aimee for seven years, notes this trait of Aimee’s when she confronts new tasks.

“[Aimee] is very capable,” Alina said. “Whenever she approaches something, she approaches it with a lot of confidence. She knows she is competent and able to do things no matter what.”

Entering her final year in high school, Aimee has learned to enjoy the smaller moments in life, like eating lunch or walking to class with her friends.

“Especially after the pandemic, it has been very easy to forget that those moments existed or to forget how much you enjoyed them,” Aimee said. “This year, I’ve been pushing myself to not tune out conversations or just exist but rather try to enjoy and live in the present.”

Occasionally, Aimee still takes the time to reminisce and relish her experiences from the past. Aimee keeps a journal, in which she reflects on her day to day life.

“It started as keeping myself organized, but recording different parts of your life and adding your creativity to that, especially in senior year when it’s a time to hold onto memories, has been very valuable,” Aimee said.

Aimee’s friends comprise a crucial component of Aimee’s ideal to “live in the present.” On a trip to San Francisco with them last summer, Aimee experienced a day of pure relief as she spent time in their company without having to worry about the future. The group of friends zoomed through the day engaging in conversation and cherishing each other’s presence.

“A friend is someone you can exist with and have conversations with,” Aimee said. “A friend is someone you can enjoy being with without having some elaborate plan because, most of the time, you’re not going on some crazy adventure or having some super fun plans. Most of the time, you’re just sitting with each other doing work or eating lunch, and having someone who you can engage in conversations with and be with is really important.”

In her own personality, Aimee reflects the traits she looks for in a friend. Emily Zhou (12), who has been close friends with Aimee since middle school, explicates Aimee’s outgoing and sympathetic disposition.

“[Aimee] was always super nice and super kind, and she’s always someone you can talk about silly things with and joke around with,” Emily said. “She’s the kind of person that is light-hearted and engages in jokes with you.”

Vienna Parnell (12), whom Aimee got close to in eighth grade, expands on Aimee’s character, sharing her experiences with Aimee’s reliability and loyalty as a confidant.

“I can always count on her,” Vienna said. “Especially when I have something on my mind, I can always find her to relate to it and also provide reassurance.”

With the impending challenge of college before her, Aimee has resolved to relish and pursue what ultimately excites her and puts her in high spirits, a realization that has helped her thrive throughout her highschool journey.

“In very stressful times, enjoying whatever small moment you have and trying to let yourself enjoy what does make you happy, even when you are going through a very stressful environment, makes it a lot easier,” Aimee said.