Q&A: Sachem North Valedictorian Ruchi Shah

Ruchi Shah is the valedictorian of the Sachem North Class of 2012. 

Shah, of Ronkonkoma, will be attending Stony Brook University next fall as one of eight students selected nationally to the Scholars for Medicine Program. This is acceptance into the medical school as well as the undergraduate school. She plans on double majoring in biology, focusing on ecosystems, and journalism.

She has also been named a National , one of only 10 in the country and a Coca-Cola Scholars Semifinalist. Shah is a National Merit Finalist, as well, and she was a winner at Intel ISEF for the past three years. She is the National Science Honor Society President at North and National Honor Society Vice President. She has also had perfect attendance since the 4th grade.

Q&A

1. What will you miss most about high school?

I will miss the teachers who have molded me into a lifelong learner, the friends who I have had the chance to be with everyday for the past four years, and the sachem community that is unlike any other. High school has offered me a comfortable environment to grow and I will truly miss being a student at Sachem North. 

2. What are you looking forward to in moving on to college?

I most looking froward to meeting new students who are just as passionate as I am about science. I am looking forward to collaborating with students and faculty, both inside and outside of the classroom. The Scholars for Medicine Program will allow me to delve deeper into medicine and my current research on improving cervical cancer diagnosis while also exploring new passions such as journalism. 

3. What was your favorite high school class?

It is difficult for me to choose one class. I have thoroughly enjoyed every class that I have taken, as hard as that might be to believe. One of the most important things that I have learned in high school is the inter-relatedness of all of the subjects and I enjoy studying how different parts of our world connect. However, if I had to choose one class, it would be science research. 

Science Research is a class that I have taken for the past four years and it has been the catalyst for my academic and personal growth. I have not only learned innovative science methods, experimented in a renowned laboratory, and attended the international science fair, but I have also learned the importance of perseverance, the role that failure plays in success, and the ways through which to effectively communicate science.

The teachers and professors that have guided me throughout my journey will be dear mentors for the rest of my life and fellow classmates and students from around the world will be collaborators throughout my future career in science. 

4. What clubs or extracurriculars were you involved in?

Envirothon-President, Math Team-President, Varsity Swimming and Diving, Hindi Class, Newswind School Newspaper, National Honor Society-Vice President, Science Honor Society- President, Foreign Language Honor Society, Social Studies Honor Society, Volunteer at Stony Brook Medical Center, Arya Samaj Youth Leader

5. What advice would you give to underclassmen?

The only thing between you and your dreams is a lot of hard work and perseverance. Don't let anyone change your dreams, you are more than capable of achieving them. Appreciate the people and support of the Sachem community and take advantage of all of the opportunities that Sachem offers. Try something new, a club or a sport, you might find a passion that you never knew existed!

6. Any teachers/staff who stood out throughout your journey?

There are much to many to even begin to name. Each teacher I have had has influenced me in some way and I can honestly say that I am better because of the teachers I have met, on an academic and personal level. The dedication, passion, and knowledge of the sachem faculty never ceases to amaze me and I know I would not be where I am today without their unending support. 

7. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I hope to be finished with my medical training and residency as I begin practicing and researching at a renowned institution. I also hope to be affiliated as a medical correspondent with a national news channel, reporting about science stories throughout the world.  What is most important to me, regardless of where my life takes me, is that I am making a difference in my community. 

8. Tell us a fun fact about you.

I can speak four languages-English, Hindi, Gujarati and Spanish