SALISBURY -- You don't have to be a brain surgeon to figure out that Chelsea Simon is an exemplary student.

Planning to go into neurology, the James M. Bennett High School senior said she was inspired to enter the field after taking an Advanced Placement psychology course. Having also been laid up in the hospital early last fall with what turned out to be dehydration, she said her interest in medicine was also boosted by that experience.

Describing herself as a "people person," Simon had previously considered becoming a lawyer.

"The neuroscience unit in my psychology course was just so compelling," she said, noting there was an overlap in the interests. "I love being around people and seeing what goes into the way they think."

Recognized by her teachers for her dedication, her AP English teacher Kathryn Wilde was impressed with the way Simon maintained high grades in her classes while in the hospital.

"She's strong athletically and academically," Wilde said. "She is the kind of student that one marks 'exceeds expectations' for on reference forms."

Remarking on her work in her class, Wilde said Simon "loves to write and has a strong voice; she likes to push herself to be creative."

Simon, a strong field hockey player, had considered trying out for a varsity team in college. But with her plans to attend a large Division I school, she said it would likely take too much time away from studies.

Also a competitive cheerleader when she was younger, she currently serves as one of the dance captains for JMB's legendary "Rock 'n' Roll Revival" musical shows.

Frequently practicing with other dancers after school, she said she usually only has time when she gets home to finish her homework and get to bed.

She is taking five AP classes this year alone and she said she has gotten used to her busy schedule. She thinks she can handle the rigor of medical school if she decides to stick with that plan.

As vice president of the senior class, among several other school leadership positions, she said listening, communication and being able to help people are important parts of life for her.

ABOUT CHELSEA SIMON

School: James M. Bennett High School

School related activities: VP of class, Grades 11-12; SGA, Grades 9-12; president of National Honor Society, Grade 12; National Honor Society, Grades 10-12; Mu Alpha Theta, Grade 12; French Honor Society, Grades 11-12; varsity field hockey, Grades 9-12, captain, Grades 11-12; Mock Trial Grades 10-11; Rock 'n' Roll Revival, Grades 9-12, dance captain, Grades 11-12; Environmental Club, Grades 11-12; French Club, Grades 9-12.

Community-based activities: Appalachia Service Project, volunteer coach for Salisbury Middle School field hockey team

Personal achievements: Futures Field Hockey; senior ambassador for Sanders Photography; Minds in Motion Scholar Athlete Award, Grades 9-12; James M. Bennett nominee for the Jefferson Scholarship for the University of Virginia; Academic Letter; Lamp of Knowledge; National Young Leaders Scholar Nominee; Circuit Champion for the 2011 Maryland State Bar Association High School Mock Trial; Honorable Mention for Bayside Hockey, Grade 11; Second Team All Bayside Hockey, Grade 12; Senior All-Star Game, Grade 12.

If you could choose your age, what would it be? I think I would be the age I am now. I am at the point where I know who I am and what I want to do. I have great friends and family support. I enjoy my classes and activities. Life is seemingly perfect.

What is your greatest fear? My greatest fear is failure. I strive to always do my best and achieve my goals no matter the circumstance. I know who I want to be and where I want to go, thus I couldn't imagine not reaching my goals. I don't think this is something I should particularly concern myself with because I don't give up. I would just be innovative and find a new way to reach my goals.

If you had $10,000 to donate to a charity, which one would you give it to? Why? If I had $10,000 I would first set aside money for college. College is extremely expensive and proves to be such a financial burden. I would then donate money toward the organizations who create feel-good bags for children in the hospital. I experienced being cooped up in a hospital bed, wondering when I would be normal again. One day I was given a feel-good bag. Since I was still underage, I was admitted to the pediatric floor. The bag contained notebooks, crayons, a teddy bear, and a blanket. I couldn't possibly imagine what life would be like for those kids who experience hospital life frequently. I know for me, I was scared and lonely, thus I would love to give a child something to comfort them. Comfort and happiness honestly does help the situation improve and I would love to help donate to such a fantastic cause.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? Who gave it to you? The best advice I was given was actually expressed to me recently by one of my friends. The friend told me to simply do what I want to do. I am one of those people who always analyze situations and I recently realized that all that does is create unnecessary stress and worry. If I would simply just do what I want and not think too far into things, I could just sit back and enjoy life day by day. Life is too short for stress.

How do you know when someone is a true friend? I would say that a true friend is someone that you can share everything with. Someone who has your back no matter what. Someone who is loyal and trustworthy. Someone who you can be yourself around. Someone who isn't afraid to tell you when you are wrong but supports you when you are right. Someone who pushes you towards your goals and is genuinely happy when you achieve them. That is a true friend.

If you could have lunch with any person or thing, living or from the past, who or what would you choose? If I could have lunch with one person I think it would have to be Oliver Sacks. I am taking an AP psychology course and we have discussed his immense influence on psychological development. He was one of the first people to actually analyze psychological situations based on his own gut feelings. Sacks wasn't afraid to share his ideas and express them. He contributed not only an immense knowledge of medicine but a genuine care for the health of his patients. I want to pursue neurology in such a way that can be similarly juxtaposed with Sacks' ideals and motivations toward changing seemingly disastrous diseases.

If you could be an animal, which animal would you choose to be? If I could be an animal, I would be a dolphin. I have always admired their freedom and free-spirited lifestyle. I have always loved the ocean and the feeling of excitement and wonder that comes with it. I think being able to relax all day among the waves and yet still be surround by wonders would be a perfect balance in life.

Where would you like to be in five years? In five years I would like to be pursuing my pre-med aspirations. I would absolutely love to become involved with child neurology. I think the brain is one of the most interesting topics. The brain is completely wondrous and presents new discoveries and challenges each and every day. I would love to be able to change a child's life by discovering and curing brain diseases that diminish their abilities to live the life they desire.

What is your goal for this school year? My goal for this school year is to have fun. I obviously will strive to achieve good grades and excel in my classes but at the same time I want to enjoy my life here before I leave for school. I want to enjoy my friends and family. I think my ultimate goal is to never stop smiling. I want the rest of the year to create some of the best times of my life.

What makes you angry? I wouldn't say that I get angry easy. The one thing that does bother me, though, would have to be those who pick on others. I truly believe that everyone has something wonderful to contribute and that each person can express a new way to assess a situation. Individuals provided various ideas that when combined create the most magnificent effects.

What current issue concerns you the most? I think a current issue that is important to those of my generation is the lack of choice within their education. It is sad when a student taking higher level classes cannot take classes that they are interested in because their schedule has to be worked around the few choices available. If the student isn't taking classes in which they find interesting, then they will not learn. I just find it sad that we cannot overcome this educational struggle. Look at other countries who push student interests: the students who are college bound attend a college bound high school and the students with the goal of working in mechanics go to a school similar to the CTE program provided at Parkside. This encompasses all types of learning styles and motivations. Personally, if the Board of Education wants higher school attendance, then they need to re-establish activities of interest. I know that the monetary situation is becoming increasingly worse, but yet we spend money on buying things we don't need. What will happen to those kids who are motivated by their eligibility to play sports? Do you really think those kids will still try as hard once the funding for sports disappears? No, of course not. Those kids will lose their desire to try in school. I feel that we are losing touch of the fun in schools and focusing on stupid test scores. Let the kids study what interests them and support their goals; that will create a better future.

What is your favorite song? I am such an indecisive person! I probably have a new song every day. Right now, I would have to say I play Adele's song "Set Fire to the Rain" over and over. I really like all types of music. Country has been a big genre for me lately as well.

What was the last movie you watched? The last movie I watched was actually last Saturday when I had a mommy daughter movie night! I have been so busy that I am honestly home long enough for homework and bed. The movies we watched are two of my favorites, "The Notebook" and "A Walk to Remember." I am such a romantic!

What is your favorite place to eat away from home? I actually love sushi and Sakura Japan Sushi & Grill has the best banana rolls! So yummy!

cmckinney@dmg.gannett.com

410-845-4639

Read more from the original source:
Teen's thinking of neurology