By Uy Pham
Pursuing her dreams and being dedicated to her goals. Connecting with others and valuing the community she surrounds herself with. Working hard and staying dedicated.
You could say these three statements compose junior Sophia Do’s personal mantra, one that encapsulates her efforts and passions in all that she does.
One of these passions? Tennis. Do has been playing ever since she was in elementary school and has worked her way to the varsity girls’ tennis team here at Fountain Valley High School. She even has a job as a tennis umpire for her coach’s youth tennis tournaments.
Yet, for Do, tennis isn’t just any other extracurricular.
“Tennis has always been something I could rely on as an escape,” Do said. “I’ve always devoted a lot of my time and effort into it and it is a big part of who I am.”
Outside of school, Do carries that same passion in volunteering around local hospitals and working with a nonprofit organization to raise money for the disabled in Vietnam. She also enjoys working out at the gym.
Joining Baron Banner this year, Do looks forward to becoming more connected with school culture.
“I’ve always seen the news articles around the school, and I thought that [Baron Banner] would be a great way to promote student culture and get everyone involved,” Do said. “I hope to build a second family here in Baron Banner, strengthen my writing skills and be part of something in our school’s community.”
Looking toward her two years left in high school, Do’s goals include managing her schedule between her rigorous course load and advancing her extracurricular activities, especially connecting with others through school clubs and volunteering.
Her advice to the incoming high school student? Make the most of the time available every day, including the high school experience.
“Time is very valuable, and you have a lot less of it,” Do said. “You have to make the most of what you have and don’t take anything for granted.”