We are fresh into the second quarter of hybrid learning at EHS. With everyone’s continuous effort to adjust to a new norm, we are looking forward to the end of this untraditional year and a fresh start. I reached out to Anderson Ng, a member of the class of 2021, to reflect on his years at Edgemont and plans for the future.
To start off, so that people can get to know you, I wanted to ask you to give your quick basic Edgemont history.
Anderson: I have lived here my whole life, so about 18 years. I went to Seely Place for elementary school, and then I have been at the high school all the way through as well. I have loved my time here while growing up in this town and I honestly would not trade it for anything else.
What has been your favorite year so far? Why has it stood out compared to your other years at Edgemont?
Anderson: I would say seventh grade. That year I enjoyed merging with Greenville and getting to meet a lot of new people allowed me to branch out. That was the first introduction to the high school and I loved it from the start. It is cool because then it was exciting to meet so many new people, and from that I have made some of my closest friends.
Through your years what type of activities have you gotten involved in that you really enjoy?
Anderson: I’ve played hockey and lacrosse both since seventh grade and I play hockey a lot and really enjoy that. Also, with a couple of friends, I started the Wounded Warriors Club in my sophomore year. We have held fundraisers and different things to get people involved.
So you really like hockey, what is your favorite thing about the sport?
Anderson: The Edgemont team is combined with three other schools. I get to interact with different kids and come together as one big family and just play a sport that we all love. Hockey has just really been a great outlet for me to disconnect from school and academics and other stuff that goes on in my life. Overall it has been a good way to release some of that energy.
Obviously this year has been quite tough for everyone to get used to. What has changed for you? And what have you learned about yourself?
Anderson: This year for sure is a bummer that we haven't been able to do things that other senior classes have been able to experience. For example, we didn't get to go to Senior Forum and it has been postponed, we didn’t have a last homecoming, or other things that when they happened last we didn't know would never happen again. Virtually, it is definitely harder to learn online and get myself motivated. A positive from all this is that I have had a lot of free time to do things by myself.
What have you done with all the free time you have now?
Anderson: I have been trying to see my friends every now and then but it is difficult, especially now that it is getting quite cold out. I have started listening to podcasts every morning which is new for me but I like it. I also have been taking up cooking recently, but I definitely want to cook some more.
How was your quarantine with your family?
Anderson: Covid has made it so we have to spend so much time together 24/7, so we have all kind of learned how to take our own space sometimes and be okay with that.
How has covid affected your whole college process while you have been preparing?
Anderson: Obviously with covid we cannot tour schools, so my research along with my friends has all been quite independent. It's definitely harder to get a feel for what the school is like, so my plan has been to apply to the schools I am interested in and then hopefully get to tour them afterwards.
Do you know what you want to study in college?
Anderson: Yeah, I am really interested in something to do with the environment and sustainable policy. I also am interested in economics. I also hope the school I end up going to has a study abroad program where I can study in a different country for some time when everything with Covid has settled down. Maybe in Africa, but I am not sure if any schools offer that.
How do you feel about leaving for college?
Anderson: I have mixed emotions about leaving Edgemont. This is all I really know, so I am sad to leave it behind. On the other hand, I can not wait to be independent for the first time so I can carve my own path in life. I think the fact that Edgemont is such a tight-knit community makes it harder to leave because everything about college is so new, but I am looking forward to that.
What do you think your future is going to look like?
Anderson: Honestly, my dream job is to be a hockey agent, but we will see how that plays out. If that doesn't work, I will try to pursue something in sustainability. I think I'll end up moving to Toronto and start a whole new life there. The future is always unpredictable, so I am looking forward to seeing what happens along the ride.