To many, Eric Zhang (’25) is renowned for his vibrant, long nails. For him, those colors represent a transformative journey toward self-discovery and confidence. When Eric was a frosh, he felt lost, overwhelmed by the social dynamics of high school and unsure where he fit in.

“I was a timid guy ever since middle school,” Eric said. “I talked to people on track, and I knew some of the upperclassmen. I was an introvert. When you go into high school and they tell you, ‘Oh, try joining a ton of clubs and what not,’ I would not trust it. I thought all the seniors were going to be judging me and I was nervous.”

Everything changed when he discovered the Green Team, a group that not only shared his passion for the environment but also welcomed him with open arms. Throughout his years on Green Team, Eric built up his self-esteem. His love for Green Team was ignited from the second he went to his first meeting. Even when he didn’t have an official position, Eric was granted ‘The Eric Position’ due to his immense dedication and work. From first joining to spend time with his brother, the club turned into something that would give Eric’s high school career structure. The work he was doing to benefit the community and the environment gave him a sense of fulfillment.

“That civic engagement where you’re able to actually go out and do something is amazing,” Eric said. “Right now, I’m mostly just a full time student. You study, you get your textbooks, you do your homework — but then actually being able to go out and make changes feels inspiring.”

During the school day, Eric would pile up his schedule with intense math, physics and Latin classes while his lunches were filled with Green Team meetings. After school, Eric would be off to track practice. Close friend Harrison Chen (’25) admires Eric’s ability to balance his workload.

“He tries really hard in all the subjects he does, he can get really into a lot of things,” Harrison said. “I remember in a lot of our science classes, we would get into debates and after class, we would spend the next 20 minutes in the lunch line talking about what we just learned and he completes all of his work to the best of his ability.” 

Although Eric is always filling up his free time, he makes time for the things that matter to him, whether that’s Green Team or track. Eric took up track as a way to spend time his frosh year, but it eventually became a place for him to destress and connect with his friends. 

“Spending those hours outside on the track is a good way to focus on yourself,” Eric said. “You forget about the rest of your busy life; it’s something that’s so valuable. Getting time to chit-chat with friends and being silly and not having to be so stressed inside the classroom.” 

While track initially seemed like the perfect escape, Eric faced numerous challenges, including recurring injuries that sidelined him each year. Nevertheless, even amid these setbacks, he embraced each practice as an opportunity for growth. He continued to show up to practices and support the team while balancing cross training and physical therapy.

“It’s almost like you have to practice failing,” Eric said. “Going through that experience you realize that it’s not the end of the world. Don’t be afraid to just try to veer off and try some more unconventional methods.”

Close friend Harriss Miller (’25) met Eric when they were in middle school. They quickly bonded over their love for running and Latin, which they began in middle school and continued pursuing all the way to senior year. Harriss has watched Eric build up more courage throughout the years.

“He is very quiet,” Harriss said. “You don’t know exactly who he is until you walk up to him, and then you’re like, ‘Oh my God, this is the coolest person ever.’ He is super humble. He can have everything, but he doesn’t. He’s still so down to Earth. He’s always there, always willing to help you. I’ll ask him for help on a math problem and he’ll be like, ‘Yeah, I got 30 things to do, but I’ll help you with that.’”

Latin teacher Clifford Hull, who taught Eric for three years, has witnessed Eric’s growth as he developed throughout high school. He appreciates Eric’s positivity, as well as his dedication in the classroom.

“He’s always been mature; he maintains that level of adultness,” Hull said. “He’s serious to a certain extent but also mischievous. That smile of his, it lights up the room. Teenagers are sometimes moody; I’ve never seen him moody, and he always seems to have a sunny disposition.” 

Even though Eric’s constant smile brightens up the hallways, his journey to building confidence took time. Eric always found himself back at Green Team during every long lunch workshopping how to make the environment better. During a pivotal climate conference in Washington D.C., Eric faced a challenge: approaching strangers at the Washington Monument to discuss environmental issues. He remembers that it was an intimidating task, but it pushed him out of his comfort zone.

“In the moment, I would feel like this sounds like, ‘Oh, shoot. I look so scammy.’” Eric said. “And then, the more people we asked and got rejected from, the more you notice it doesn’t really matter. Realizing from their perspective, their rejection is completely logical. If someone just comes up to you and asks you to talk and you’re like, ‘No,’ that doesn’t reflect on who you are.”

This experience helped Eric in his journey to finding his independence outside of other people’s opinions. Even when he painted his nails, he dealt with initial shock from both his parents and peers. Eric hopes to inspire others to embrace and express their true self. 

“It’s not changing who I am; it’s just a little part of me, and I shouldn’t be judged for that,” Eric said. “Thinking about it now, I realize I am just me. So, live life — don’t fret over every little assignment. There’s no point in carrying sadness with you.”