Posted on Dec 22, 2018 in
HIGH SCHOOL HOT SHOT
By Joan Frances –
Olivia Tran.
Harmony School of Innovation in Sugar Land offers students a quality education well before high school. The result is a closely knit school community where camaraderie and trust exists. Seniors graduate with the support and education needed to continue on to a successful future. Olivia Tran has an accomplished resume and is ready to take the next step in her education.
Tran began attending Harmony in sixth grade and graduated middle school at the top of her class. Even so, she explained, “I enjoy high school much more because we’re given more academic possibilities and can tailor our courses and extracurriculars to what we’re most interested in.”
Tran is ranked 5th in her class and has achieved eight maximum scores of five and two scores of four on her AP exams. She is a member of the National Honor Society, a National AP Scholar and a National Merit Semifinalist.
This past summer, Tran was awarded Most Promising Researcher for Chemistry at the University of Houston-Downtown Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Research Training, where she screened for new titration indicators and bacteria with antibiotic potential. In her freshman year, she placed first in Texas for her eCYBERMISSION genetics project. “Everyone at Harmony has helped shape me into the person I am today, but my academic counselors stand out the most in my mind. In addition to supporting and guiding me through my academic journey, they continuously push me to set and achieve greater goals.”
One value that Tran lives by is diligence. “Ever since I was a little kid, my parents have drilled into me the value of hard work. In high school, I work with my teachers during after-school and Saturday tutorials until I finally understand the topics I struggle with. With my clubs, I set aside time every day to work on the next meeting’s agenda or to brainstorm ideas for upcoming events.”
Tran’s extracurricular resume is impressive. “In my sophomore year, I helped start Career and College Club to give academic advice to the middle school students at our campus, and I’ve served as mentor, secretary and vice president over the years. I find it extremely fulfilling to answer their questions on how to study more effectively or how to choose what activities to pursue in high school, because I see myself in their shoes just a few years ago.”
Tran is the Secretary for HOSA-Future Health Professionals, founder and President of Road to College Club and Reporter and Historian for Red Cross Club. She was also the leader of her Biotechnology Design team for the Technology Student Association and placed 6th in the state for its Essays on Technology competition.
Tran volunteers at Memorial Hermann Hospital where she translates instructions for Vietnamese and Spanish speaking patients. She was awarded Volunteer of the Year at the Houston Public Library for her assistance with administrative work and her supervision at a kids’ summer camp. Her school years have been very fulfilling. “I will always treasure the relationships I’ve developed with everyone at my school. I’ve known many of my friends and teachers for six or seven years, so the jokes and memories have had time to pile up.”
Tran is undecided as to what college she will be attending, but she is planning to major in either Biochemistry or Genetics. Congratulations Olivia Tran on your devotion to your school and community, and good luck as you continue to use your diligence and talent for future endeavors.
