Lee Solmin from Korea

A baking soda and vinegar experiment was the first chemical experiment that I tried by myself when I was in elementary school. I still remember the sour scent of vinegar penetrating my nose and the bubbles fizzing continuously. Now, I know it is simply a reaction of sodium bicarbonate and acetic acid, but this small spark ignited the love of chemistry inside me. However, the dream of studying chemistry drifted away along with my self-confidence because of the fierce competition among peers in Korea. Discouraged, I thought I did not have any talent in the science field, so I decided to pursue another path. Yet, starting from grade 10 in the Abbotsford International Program, my learning experience became totally different from what I had known. I was able to deep dive into various subjects, and although I did struggle, A LOT, I was tired of the me who gave up and abandoned my dream just because of outside pressure. With the Honours and AP Program offered at Yale Secondary School, I was able to find my interest in Biochemistry with the help of tailored learning from my teachers. Back in the days of grade 11, I was uncertain of what I should be studying after graduation. However, during the pandemic, I had my own time to think about what I truly desire and what I want to study. In fact, the "deep dive" experience soaked myself in chemistry again, bringing my past passion up to the surface. Enrolled in various Honours and AP classes, I achieved an advanced level of chemistry and biology and discovered how to cope with pressure. In school, whenever I was struggling with the stress of being a perfectionist, I learned how to relieve it with the support of my teachers. Even if it was a small thing, teachers would listen to my concerns and comfort me. The sense of community in Abbotsford helped me stride through my high school years, leading me to the post secondary world. Not only the communication of the teachers, but also the communication among other students grounded me during my unconventional COVID high school experience. Everyone else said COVID hindered their academic achievements, yet for me it was the time when I was able to find what I was truly passionate about. Having more time to myself helped me to savor the taste of studying biology and chemistry. Even though my last two years of high school were unexpected and ever-changing, I am satisfied with the outcome for I am pursuing what I desire. In the future, I am confident that if someone asks me, "How was your experience in Abbotsford?", I will not hesitate to answer, "Life changing." 

Activities

Altar services at St. Ann's Catholic Church - (October 2020 - June 2021) Literacy Matters Reading Buddy - (March 2021 - April 2022) Raum Hangul - (September 2021 - present) 

Post Secondary Plans

Now I have been accepted into: University of Toronto (Life Science), McMaster University (Biochemistry), Western University (Biochemistry), Simon Fraser University (Biochemistry), University of Alberta (Biochemistry), University of British Columbia (Science), University of Washington (Biochemistry), University of California - San Diego (Chemistry), University of California - Davis (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology), University of Indiana - Bloomington (Biochemistry), and Boston University (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology). My plan is to pursue biochemistry, and I hope to be accepted to a medical school to become a psychiatrist. I wish to spend more time on myself doing pleasurable activities such as watching movies, exercising, and hanging out with friends.