Turlock High School senior Henna Hundal is no ordinary teenager.
In addition to being named the Youth Citizen of the Year in January during the 47th Annual Best of Turlock Awards, Hundal has founded her school’s math club, contributed to several publications including the Turlock Journal and Huffington Post, participated in Mock Trial, and is a CorePower certified yoga instructor.
Hundal also holds a 4.72 grade point average, has taken 19 honors and advanced placement courses, and is ranked number one in her class of 497 students, meaning that she will deliver the valedictory for her graduating class.
“I am absolutely honored and so grateful,” said Hundal in response to being named valedictorian. “I hope to carry the title well and represent Turlock High in the best way possible.”
Taking into account all of the young student’s accomplishments before she has even graduated high school, it comes as no surprise that Harvard University has accepted Hundal for Fall 2015.
“I was utterly shocked to learn I was accepted. I’m so grateful and I feel so blessed,” said Hundal. “Knowing that a school like Harvard believes in me makes me excited for the future and inspires me to work even harder.”
Hundal reported that she was originally inspired to apply to the prestigious university for its phenomenal programs, as well as the “movers and shakers” who engage in pioneering research daily. Explaining that she has always been drawn to novel ideas and cutting-edge products, Hundal revealed that Harvard is where she has always wanted to be.
“I’m so excited to be studying alongside some of the most extraordinary thinkers of our time,” said Hundal. “I hope they can open my mind to new heights.”
Although Hundal does not know what concentration she will pursue when she arrives in the fall, she reported that Harvard gives students plenty of time to explore different concentrations before they make their official declaration during their third term.
“I’ll be taking advantage of that time to explore some of the exciting offerings like Molecular and Cellular Biology and maybe secondary fields like Global Health and Health Policy,” said Hundal.
Hundal hopes that her experience at Harvard will enable her to pursue a career that incorporates both science and journalism.
“I think it’s incredibly important to relay scientific information in ways that are appealing and comprehendible to the public, and I want a future career that operates along those lines,” said Hundal.
Looking back at her own personal journey, Hundal wishes that other students will begin to realize the excellent resources that are made available to them throughout their academic careers like she did at THS and in the community.
“The people and programs at Turlock High are awesome and I will forever appreciate the support the school has given me,” said Hundal. “This community really does provide its youth with the ingredients to success.”
