Anish Nelluri:
GPA 10.02
When did you find out you are your class valedictorian? How did you react?
I found about my class rank around February or March (I remember because I had Orchestra MPA that day). The school arranged a breakfast for us, and I learned then and there. I knew for a while that valedictorian was really only in contention between me and the IB salutatorian, so this breakfast really just decided who got first place and who got second.
What is something you wish you knew about high school before entering as a freshman?
Before entering, I wish I knew how fast high school would go. I wanted to take my time and ease into things freshman year, but even then it was still hectic. I wish I took advantage of my free time in freshman and sophomore year, and really explore interests I didn’t get the time to explore, like Speech and Debate club or Mu Alpha Theta.
What is your favorite high school memory?
My favorite high school memory is either riding on a Ferris Wheel at Christmas Lane after volunteering there as part of Chamber Orchestra, or rushing the stage and singing with the DJs during Prom.
What is the most important lesson you learned from a teacher or another student while in high school?
The most important lessons I learned in high school are that being a smart-a** gets you nowhere, and that you need to find a good, healthy balance between work and fun.
What extracurricular activities did you participate in? What was your favorite subject and why?
I participated in many extracurricular activities (FBLA, HOSA, MAO, Crest Buddies where we helped the Special Education students, Goodwill Ambassador, etc.), but my favorite was researching at Moffitt Cancer Center in the HIP-IMO program between junior and senior year. I was able to meet many new people, learn more about both biology and coding, and using my intellect to help the endless battle of cancer. It was close to home too as my mom had cancer, though she beat it.
What are your plans after high school and your career goals?
My plans after high school are to take the summer to relax, and then lock in at University of Florida where I plan on double-majoring in the CS and Business fields (I haven’t figured out the specifics yet). I would also like to get opportunities in the summer or during school to gain work experience for future job opportunities, but with how saturated both the CS and Business job markets are it will be quite difficult. I am still hopeful, though.
What advice would you give students to help them improve their grades?
One piece of advice I would give to students to help their grades improve is to find where you study best at. If you study or do work most efficiently in your house, that’s okay. For me, the library was always better of a work environment for me than my distraction-filled house, which helped me maintain my grades and a 3.98.
