For my student spotlight, I had the opportunity to sit down with a dedicated and adventurous sophomore at Academic Magnet High School. Through our conversation, I learned about his passions, goals, and some fun facts that paint a picture of his personality both in and out of school. So, without further ado, get to know Jack Ham!
When asked to describe himself in three words, he chose “determined, daring, and hardworking.” These qualities shine through in his active lifestyle as he participates in soccer, which demands lots of discipline and teamwork. Additionally, Jack enjoys hunting and fishing, both activities that require patience and precision. Jack is so well-rounded! His interests maintain a balance between competitive sports and time spent in nature, truly highlighting his love for both challenging and peaceful environments.
Looking ahead a bit, in five years, Jack envisions himself attending Clemson University to pursue a degree in civil engineering. However, he humbly remains open to other paths, noting that he may end up working somewhere that does not require a college degree. This realistic and flexible outlook reflects Jack’s practical mindset and willingness to adapt.
On the academic side, Jack maintains an extremely packed schedule with Algebra 2, Chemistry, AP World, Spanish 2, Guitar 2, English 2, and even Photography! Balancing such a wide variety of subjects, from rigorous core classes to more creative pursuits, really shows his diverse range of interests. Who knew there was so much to Jack Ham?
At school, the person that he looks forward to seeing the most each day is none other than Frederick (close friends may call him Fritz) Browning. Fritz is a close friend whose presence brightens Jack’s day. Friendships like these often play a crucial role in students’ high school experiences, so I am sure that Fritz provides lots of support and fun amid Jack’s intense schedule. I couldn’t help but wonder who Jack will look forward to seeing once Fritz graduates…
While on the topic of school, if given the power to change the AMHS mascot, Jack would choose an alligator. I think that this bold choice reflects Jack’s daring side to his personality, as alligators symbolize strength and resilience. This is very telling, as although Jack may simply seem very dear at first, there is another side to him that we occasionally have the pleasure of catching a glimpse of. He also apparently does not have a favorite school lunch, as he did not answer this question, but as seen in multiple photos he does enjoy eating cookies!
For students seeking success at AMHS, his advice is simple yet strategic: “Use Chat GPT.” While this tip may seem unconventional and contrary to the Honor Code, Jack specified that it can be used correctly and honorably to help out with school work. Emphasizing that you should not use Chat GPT as a method of cheating, this tip reflects his honorability and resourcefulness in academics.
Lastly, Jack’s biggest goal before graduating from AMHS is to win a state championship in soccer. This once again speaks to his unwavering determination and drive to excel in sports. With his combination of dedication, hard work, and occasionally bold ambitions, Jack is sure to make a lasting impact at AMHS and beyond, in more ways than one.
In the end, I highly recommend chatting with Jack Ham if you have the chance. What a nice young man with such a bright future! He truly is very dear and insightful and was a delight to interview. Thank you Jack!