Grade: 12

Family members: Willie Sun (dad); Jane Xia (mom)

Favorite subject: I have always had a strong interest in science, particularly biology and chemistry, because I enjoy looking at aspects of human life through a scientific lens and doing hands-on lab experiments. I find the subject challenging and a good exercise in analytical skills. I also love English because the books we read are interesting and thought-provoking and I like being in the flow of discussion and debates.

Activities: One of my passions is music and because I have been playing violin since I was 4 years old, I can't remember a time in my life without it. Playing an instrument requires endless hours of practice, determination and discipline. What I love most about music is how it brings people together. An orchestra consists of diverse individuals but it is amazing how each player shares one interest in creating a beautiful sound. I am also a member of Moravian's swim team and have been swimming for the past four years. My favorite stroke is the most draining but exciting stroke of all, the butterfly. Competing in meets, cheering for other swimmers and bonding with the team is a great experience.

Next steps: I plan on going into a science related major and expanding my knowledge and experience in this field. I have done a lot of volunteering in medical clinics and I have discovered a love for this kind of work. This has made me consider a major in pre-med and I want to explore this field further in college to see how I can combine my interests in science and community service.

Career Goals: I am looking into working in the science field and am still on the search for my ideal career. I want to be open-minded because I know there are many opportunities and possibilities in my future and I am looking forward to finding my niche.

Heroes: There is no one person I model myself after or strive to become as my life has been shaped by the influence of many people. However, when asked for an answer, my mom is a hero to me. She is amazingly diligent, perspicacious and understanding and works hard as a clinical researcher, directing and studying trials of cancer treatment drugs. However, she always makes time to talk to me, help me and give me advice. I admire her conviction and determination.

Hobbies: I like doing origami because it is amazing how one piece of paper can be transformed into something beautiful and magical. Two years ago I folded a complete three-dimensional dollhouse with, dolls, furniture and accessories. It took me to weeks, hundreds of sheets of paper and a lot of patience. I also enjoy traveling.

Volunteer/community work: I have traveled to Kenya, the Dominican Republic and Haiti on volunteer trips and have worked at medical clinics, visited AIDS patients, helped construct a school, instructed a Chinese martial arts class and performed violin at church in those countries. I currently volunteer at the DaVinci Science Center. As a floor exhibiter my goal is to make science exciting and easy to understand for visitors. I enjoy explaining the various exhibits and watching kids participate in the many activities the center has to offer. For the past two summers I have also been volunteering at Easton Hospital and this year I worked as a transporter. I helped the staff move patients from different rooms and provided any assistance needed in caring for the patients.

Likes: My Asian heritage and background are extremely important to me. I love doing origami, watching anime, eating sushi and speaking Chinese. I also like Chinese pop music and enjoying Chinese television shows with my family.

Dislikes: I have an aversion to violence and horror films and a love-hate relationship with depressing books, like "Uncle Tom's Cabin."

Greatest accomplishment (so far): My greatest accomplishment is probably swimming in districts two years ago in the 100-yard butterfly. Before high school I had taken swim lessons and knew all the strokes but was neither fast nor skilled. Fly was one of my worst strokes and it was difficult to find the stamina and strength to swim it. However, during two years on the swim team, I improved my technique and lowered my time with the help of my coaches and my own will power. In sophomore year I qualified for the event, and finishing the districts meet with my record best time was the most amazing sensation. I was also given the Most Improved Player award and received a varsity letter.

Advice for peers: Work hard but don't get stressed out. Find the right balance between studying and socializing, and if you need help, there are a lot of wonderful people out there. Procrastination is a sin we all commit, but try your hardest to follow a schedule.

Julia Swan coordinates student pofiles for the Bethlehem Press.