By Shruthika Pochampally
Staff Writer

Unlike most high school students, Coppell High School Class of 2014 valedictorian Harry Ahn has never had an issue with managing his time and priorities.

“My mom always says, ‘to get a good job, you have to go to a good school, because then you get more opportunities. So if you work hard for the next ten years, you have a peaceful, comfortable life for the next 50 years of your life,’” Ahn said. “That kind of mindset is all I need.”

Ahn, who moved from Korea in seventh grade, had to learn English as a second language.

“GT/AP English IV is the hardest class I’ve had to take in all of high school,” Ahn said. “Learning a foreign language and being in a different environment was hard. But it’s why I am who I am now – a better person.”

Ahn’s English IV teacher, Matthew Bowden, says Ahn understands the importance of high school education, not grade point averages.

“Harry is great when he isn’t playing Wrestle Jump or 2048 on his iPad,” Bowden said. “He has obviously made education a priority. Yet he has never seemed too focused on his grades or GPA but rather has a genuine desire to learn and grow.”

Ahn’s ability to value his knowledge rather his rank are what make him an exceptional student, according to Bowden.

“I believe he has figured out that if one simply engages and listens and questions, the rest will follow,” Bowden said.

Ahn recommends to “not worry too much about all the numbers – GPA, and SAT scores”.

“Colleges are looking for your potential, and that can be academic, or music or sports,” Ahn said. “Just do what you are good at and you will get into wherever you want.”

Also like all high school students, Ahn has regrets over the past four years. His biggest regret, he said, was not being as socially involved.

“Freshman year, I was a shy student,” Ahn said “Throughout the school year, I met all these friends [who] are outgoing. That kind of changed me. I became more open to people.”

One difference between most high school students and Ahn however, is that Ahn always made sure to put his health first.

“I would work about two to three hours a day throughout junior year. I was always getting enough sleep,” Ahn said. “I learned how to manage my time wisely in high school. Time management and efficiency skills are very important.”

Like most high achievers, Ahn also thinks he could have gone to a better school.

“[Duke University] was not my first choice, but it was one of my top choices,” Ahn said. “I’m planning to do pre-med, and Duke is good for pre-med. It’s fine, though; I can go to a [better] grad school.”

Ahn says though he is excited for college, he will miss his friends.

“Harry is a really nice guy and has always been willing to help out,” CHS senior Shashwat Chaturvedi said. “He maintained his integrity when most around him lost it, and his intellectual accomplishments are nonetheless for it. He is probably the best at math in this school.”

Those who know Ahn have high expectations for his future, regardless of where he goes to school.

“I expect the shy and awkward individual I met four years ago to do great things,” Chaturvedi said. “Led by his chill and relaxed attitude towards life, he’ll cure cancer one day.”