Senior Youjin Bann is known among peers as an “academic weapon”. As she balances school, work, extracurricular activities, and impressive achievements, Youjin is a great inspiration to many. With a near perfect 3.99 GPA and 15 AP classes, she has pursued an impressive academic path. Here is a picture into her life, and advice on how to succeed in and out of the classroom.
When asked about school, Bann shares her love for STEM subjects, particularly math and science. “I’ve always been more STEM-oriented than humanities; I’d choose math and science over English and history any day,” she says. Along the way she has received high honors achievements like AP Scholar of Distinction and the Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Sterling Scholar award.
Outside the classroom, Youjin has participated in nearly every aspect of Timpview’s extracurriculars. Since her freshman year, she has been actively involved in a wide variety of clubs including FCCLA, NHS, FBLA, and the Environmental Club. She has always been a natural leader, and currently serves as FCCLA Vice President of Star Events, an NHS council member, and Vice President of FBLA/DECA, among other roles. Over the years, her competitive efforts have paid off, with highlights such as a third place finish at FCCLA Nationals in Event Management and a second place win at FBLA State in Business Ethics. Reflecting on her experiences, Youjin emphasizes the connections she’s made, and her gratitude for the opportunities she has had. “Freshman year, I joined a lot of clubs to get involved in school, and I’m so glad I stuck with them. The people I’ve met along the way have been so inspiring”, Bann shares.
Beyond academics and clubs, Youjin is also a passionate member of Timpview’s lacrosse team. She has played on defense since her freshman year occasionally stepping up as a defensive midfielder. Lacrosse has introduced her to some of her favorite people and taught her the value of hard work and persistence. Despite the sport’s rigorous demands, with practices and games taking up hours of her day, Youjin makes the most of every moment in the spring seasons. As well as Lacrosse, music has been a significant part of her life. Though she has scaled back her musical commitments in high school to focus on other things, she continues to play piano for personal enjoyment and fondly remembers her time playing the cello in Timpview’s Chamber Orchestra. Music is a great source of enjoyment and peace in her life.
Youjin’s dedication also extends beyond Timpview. For five years she has volunteered with the National Association of Korean Schools (NAKS), as a TA for the highest Korean Language class. Inspired by this experience, she also began privately tutoring a young Korean-American boy in speaking the Korean language, working with him multiple times a week. She has also explored other career interests through internships and part time jobs. As a dental hygiene assistant, she has gained hands-on experience in sterilization, charting, and patient care. She is also working as a server at a sushi restaurant on weekends which has instilled in her a strong work ethic and financial independence. She “started working when [she] was 14 and has had a job since”.
When asked for advice, Youjin stresses the importance of staying organized and knowing how to prioritize. She swears by her planners, two paper ones and a digital calendar, to manage her packed schedule. Her shares her guidance that “You can’t do everything, so you gotta know what you prioritize” and “it’s not a big deal”. Life moves on, and the challenges you face now will eventually just be small specks in your memory.
Youjin Banns high school journey is a testament to the power of hard work, passion, and priorities. Whether in the classroom, on the LAX field, or in the community, she continues to inspire those around her with her resilience and intelligence. As she prepares to graduate and move on to the next chapter of her life, there’s no doubt she will have great success and continue to work hard, achieving great things.
