Soomin Edward Heo

Since students in Korean high schools can’t select their courses, NMH is like heaven for me. By taking challenging courses such as AP Computer Science and Multivariable Calculus, I’ve continually set my goals higher. AP Chemistry has been my favorite course so far. The class was very tough, but our teacher, Christine Sands, always answered my questions with clarity. The most impressive thing was how she gave us back our homework with explanations for incorrect answers. She was not only teaching us in the class, but also after the class was over.

I believe math and music are closely related to each other; I cannot live without either one of them. I find math fascinating and love solving challenging math problems. Singing with other students and playing violin and piano make my life joyful and colorful. I love taking part in Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, and Hogappella. I’ve also discovered the fun of dancing with friends. Students here have hectic schedules—after five days of classes, they need refreshing moments. For me, dancing reduces all my stress at once; by moving my body with the rhythm of the music, I can forget everything else.

When I think of five words to describe NMH, I come up with open, diverse, caring, colorful, and circle. The first three words are self-explanatory. Colorful means that NMH provides broad opportunities in academics, arts, and sports. Circle has two meanings: our campus’s buildings are arranged in a circle, and the school emphasizes the importance of community—and that reminds me of a circle. NMH is now my second home, which means that I think of it as a comfortable, relaxing, and always fresh environment.