Jinho Lee

Favorite subject at CRLS
English

Why is it your favorite subject?
I think the biggest feeling out there is that of feeling represented by text, whether that's through fictional worlds or real-life people. The feeling of seeing yourself on paper, realizing your emotions and thoughts are valid and that there's written proof to back that up. The range of topics that are covered in an English setting are unmatched- it's the subject least confined to a singular space in thought. It's a study of people and the process of which people think. Because of this, you are exposed to so many concepts and mindsets that you may not have considered before.

Favorite CRLS Staff Person
Ms. Labaze, Monica, Mr. Cramp, Ms. Williams-Giordano

What makes that staff person so special?
Ms. Labaze has always been such a light in her students lives- I've never met anyone else with such a naturally pure heart. Monica and Mr. Cramp were essential to my survival of every year of high school- theater was often the only reason I motivated myself to go to school everyday, and the only thing I looked forward to. Beyond theatre and acting, they both helped shaped my work ethic and taught me to put intention behind my involvement in anything. I met Ms. Williams-Giordano last year when she so graciously stepped into the advisor position for student government on a quick notice- she has since helped rebuild the school-community post-pandemic by taking on as much initiative as the students (if not more) in coordinating events and fostering school spirit.

Extracurricular activities, clubs, school-related activities
Theatre, Student Government, A Cappella, Tour Choir, Club 4, Register Forum, Amnesty International, Pan-Asian Club, NHS

What were some of the out-of-school time (O.S.T) programs that you participated in anytime between grades 6-12?
Mayor's Youth

How did being enrolled in any O.S.T. program(s) contribute to your success both in and out of high school? 
N/A

What did you like most about CRLS? Why?
I like that people for the most part just do their own thing. People wear what they want, surround themselves with the people they want to, have their niche passions, etc. In a big school there's no point in trying to impress everybody, so a lot of people end up just doing the things they actually care about. There's always some sort of student-driven event going on any given week, whether it's a VPA performance, a BSU desk, a sports game, etc. You're just constantly surrounded by ambition and energy that bounces off on you. 

What is something people unfamiliar with CRLS should know about the school? Why?
Because of the size of CRLS, you need to learn how to advocate for yourself. A lot of the time, guidance counselors and teachers are extremely occupied because of the amount of students they have under their roster that they won't initiate meetings with you. Create relationships with your guidance team and teachers! Learning to step out of my comfort zone and ask questions really helped me shape my high school experience the way I wanted it to go.

What advice would you give incoming freshmen about CRLS?
Get into the arts basement as fast as you can! I've seen so many seniors get into the arts who regret not joining sooner. The community in the basement is so unconditionally supportive, and there's something for everybody. Even with all the different groups and clubs, everyone still goes to each others shows and supports each others work. Something I'm definitely going to miss is not seeing the sunlight for an entire day because I woke up at 6 am for a cappella and got out at 10 pm for theatre. There's something so singular about the high school arts experience where everybody suffers together and it's still the best feeling ever because you're part of something.

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