I first heard of Lowell in the sixth grade while listening to alumni from my middle school speak about the educational opportunities that Lowell provided them. This immediately sparked my curiosity about the school as I began to do my research, finding out that Lowell was not only regarded as a top high school nationwide but that it was a public school that provided a great education to students like me who would find it challenging to afford private school. The only obstacle was that I would need to be admitted based on my grades and an entrance exam given by the school.
I was motivated to earn admission into Lowell, my new dream school. I tried new ways to get ahead in my studies, including reviewing my daily class notes, communicating with my teachers, and utilizing my time more efficiently. Fortunately, after three years of hard work, I achieved my goal. I was admitted into Lowell with a newly formed work ethic and discipline.
However, in the fall of my freshman year, admissions were temporarily changed to a lottery due to a lack of adequate criteria to judge students because of distance learning during the pandemic. A few months later, on February 9, 2021, the school board voted 5-2 to change the admissions to a lottery permanently. At the same time, motions to cut the school’s AP funding brought up concerns about the firing of teachers and the cancellation of numerous courses. After years of hard work to be admitted into Lowell, I began to wonder if the level of education promised would dwindle, and if all my hard work would’ve been for nothing.
Thankfully, the distinguished alumni of Lowell fought against lottery admissions through a recall of the school board members and a lawsuit initiated by the Friends of Lowell Foundation. Eventually, the school board reversed its decision and reinstated Lowell’s merit-based admissions. Through these actions, alongside the Lowell Alumni Association’s generous donations that helped save many AP courses from being canceled, Lowell’s prestige was restored, and with that, the many opportunities that it provided students like me.
One of these opportunities in particular was to learn from thought-provoking teachers in courses that many SFUSD schools do not offer, such as AP Macroeconomics. This was an especially helpful course for me, someone who has always aspired to become a successful entrepreneur one day and planned to major in economics in college. Attending class every day and learning in-depth about a topic that genuinely interested me made learning enjoyable. My teacher, Mr. Shimmon, taught the class in an interactive format. He often went out of his way to show us how topics we learned related to real-life scenarios, also teaching us about investing and finance. This class reinforced my passion for wanting to start my own business in the future, as I would often jot down different business ideas that came to mind. Whether it was starting a clothing-design firm or thinking about investment opportunities, I knew I was in an environment that would help support my passions and prepare me for my future endeavors.
I was also surrounded by many like-minded individuals who valued the competitive and supportive environment Lowell provided. This camaraderie allowed me to venture out of my comfort zone and try new things such as joining the football team. When I walked onto the practice field for the first time, I had never even watched a football game in my life, but I was still excited to try because of the opportunity presented. After joining, I was no longer pushed to just be the best version of myself academically, but physically as well. Countless hours in the weight room, learning about healthy diet and fitness from my coaches, and honing my skills on the field were things I would not have had a chance to engage in if it weren't for Lowell. I developed a lifelong passion for the sport to the point that I look forward to supporting my team even beyond high school graduation, just as alumni before me have done.
While some may see merit-based admissions as just another assignment procedure, I see it as an opportunity to reach one’s true potential that can have a long-lasting impact on one’s future. The admissions process allowed me to earn entry into Lowell, a school that helped shape my character and taught me how to persevere through adversity. During my time at Lowell, I strived not only to study hard, but also to achieve in sports and socially, becoming co-captain of the football team and Weightlifting Club, running track, and serving as secretary of the Veterans Club. I am now well-prepared to face my college coursework due to the study skills, focus, and perseverance I developed both while working to be admitted and while attending Lowell. With merit-based admissions having been restored, these opportunities to seek academic rigor at a free public school will also be provided to future students.
I am majoring in Economics at UC Santa Barbara in the fall, after graduating Lowell with a weighted GPA of 4.2. My accomplishments are in no small part owed to the competitive, but also encouraging, environment that helped push me to reach my goals. I am now a proud alumnus, forever grateful for the opportunities a merit-based Lowell provided me.
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