Meet our amazing 2023 National Merit Scholar Semifinalists

Student Name: Natalie Chen

Age: 17

What does being named a National Merit Scholar Semifinalist mean to you?
To me, being named a National Merit Scholar Semifinalist is proof that my efforts throughout high school have paid off. It also serves as motivation to continue working hard to become a finalist. 

What / Who motivates you to succeed at such a high level?
I am very thankful for the support that my parents have given me to pursue educational and extracurricular opportunities. They have always encouraged me to decide my own path, and I think that freedom contributed to my success. 

What is your favorite subject in school, and why?
My favorite subject is statistics. The lessons from this class improved my critical thinking skills and allowed me to interpret data, which is crucial for the major I picked. 
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What college would you like to attend after graduating MHS, and why?
I am applying to many schools, both in and out of California, but I would love to attend a school with great academic resources and welcoming people.

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Student Name: Tiffany Lieu

Age: 17​

What does being named a National Merit Scholar Semifinalist mean to you?
I was a bit surprised to hear that I had been named a Semifinalist, but I am grateful to receive this recognition of my hard work. Beyond the possibility of earning a scholarship, I am honored to get the opportunity to make my family proud. 
 
What / Who motivates you to succeed at such a high level?
While I primarily motivate myself, it is often my peers that inspire me. People my age from MHS and around the world do incredible things, and they constantly push me to rethink the bounds of what is possible. 
 
What is your favorite subject in school, and why?
Language is my favorite subject! I love learning different languages because I believe the ability to communicate across languages is the best way to connect with other people. All languages carry a lot of history, and I think it's important to continue these legacies into the future.  
 
What college would you like to attend after graduating MHS, and why?
I am not currently set on a specific college. Though, I would love to further my education at a high-ranking university in California, so that I won't ever get too homesick.

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Student Name: Afnaan Waqas

Age: 17​

What does being named a National Merit Scholar Semifinalist mean to you?
Being named a semifinalist is really exciting for me since all the hard work I've been putting in my academics is finally paying off. I'm really happy to have the opportunity to compete for a national merit scholarship.
 
What / Who motivates you to succeed at such a high level?
Growing up, my parents always pushed me to do my best in everything I do and it's just become a habit of mine to chase perfection.
 
What is your favorite subject in school, and why?
My favorite subject in school so far would definitely be calculus. I'm a huge math geek and the things I learned in that class keep popping up in many of my other classes like chemistry and physics.
 
What college would you like to attend after graduating MHS, and why?
I'd like to attend a prestigious UC school and study aerospace engineering. I wouldn't mind getting into Stanford, either.

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Student Name: Brandon Wong

Age: 17
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What does being named a National Merit Scholar Semifinalist mean to you?
Being named a National Merit Scholar Semifinalist means I can become a finalist and get the scholarship.

What / Who motivates you to succeed at such a high level?
My parents, friends, and teachers motivate me to succeed at such a high level. I feel responsible for meeting their expectations and performing at my best.

What is your favorite subject in school, and why?
My favorite subject in school is Physics due to the structured nature it gives to the world and our interactions with it. Additionally, it is easy for me to see the practical applications of Physics in real-world projects.

What college would you like to attend after graduating MHS, and why?
I am considering a few UCs and private colleges (in and out of state). I am looking for a school with a strong engineering program that emphasizes hands-on, project-based learning.

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Student Name: Riya Vyas

Age: 17

What does being named a National Merit Scholar Semifinalist mean to you?
Being a semifinalist means that my intensive studying paid off and prepared me well for my  academic future. Hopefully, it means my education throughout my life has allowed me to build a foundation of knowledge that I can continue to grow in college.

What / Who motivates you to succeed at such a high level?
My mom inspires me to work hard for the causes I am passionate about. She sets an example of someone who can balance a career and a family and face life’s hardships with grace and determination. She always supports me with empathy and understanding through thick and thin.

What is your favorite subject in school, and why?
English has been my favorite subject ever since I learned to read—I love picking up a book and escaping into others’ minds, discovering fresh perspectives and novel social commentaries. I also enjoy expressing myself through writing, as it allows clear and creative communication.  

What college would you like to attend after graduating MHS, and why?
I want to attend a liberal arts college, because I want to major in sociology & political science as an undergraduate and later go to law school. I love the idea of going to the east coast, but also enjoy California’s culture and don’t want to stray too far from home.

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