Exploring Academic Interests and Extracurricular Opportunities as a High School Student in the Greater Seattle Area
As a sophomore preparing to transition into my junior year, I am actively exploring my academic and extracurricular interests to shape my future educational and career path. Currently, I am enrolled in an introductory linguistics course at a local community college and dedicating personal time to studying the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), which has sparked my fascination with language and its intricacies.
My initial inclination was toward a STEM-focused trajectory, particularly in aerospace and software engineering, complemented by some extracurricular activities in zoology. However, over recent years, I have come to realize that my true passion lies in the humanities—specifically fields such as linguistics, etymology, anthropology, sociology, and psychology. I believe that a career rooted in research within these disciplines could be both fulfilling and impactful, and I am considering pursuing higher education later in life to explore these interests more deeply.
Despite my enthusiasm for the humanities, I have encountered challenges in finding relevant opportunities. Unlike STEM fields, where internships and programs for high school students are more prevalent, extracurricular avenues for humanities often seem limited or less accessible. Additionally, my family’s focus on STEM careers has meant that they are less able to provide guidance or assistance in pursuing humanities-centric activities.
Currently, I am volunteering with a local hotline for teenage suicide prevention—an experience that I value deeply and wish to avoid impacting with alternative recommendations. I am grateful for any insights, advice, or resources that can support a student navigating these varied interests and seeking meaningful extracurricular opportunities.
Thank you very much for your support and understanding.