Edmond Choi: PHS' Head of the Class

All this week, Parsippany Patch shines a light on the best and brightest at the township's and . It's our way of congratulating all the seniors for their hard work and wishing them all good luck in their futures before graduation takes place Wednesday.

The students were chosen by their respective principals, Natalie Betz and Dr. Nancy Gigante and were given the option to participate. 

Today, we feature a chat with PHS class valedictorian Edmond Choi, 17.

How long you've lived in Parsippany: 8 years

High school activities: Marching Band, Swimming, Key Club

Summer plans:  Enjoy my summer before college, maybe find a job, hang out with my friends before everyone goes their separate ways.

College/work plans: New York University, majoring in Business and Political Economy.

Possible career: I’m not sure yet. I’m heading in the business direction but I’m not sure what exactly I will pursue as a career.

Most important thing you take away from high school: When they say life is short, they mean it’s really, really short. You walk through the front door as a freshman not knowing where you are. Then you blink your eyes and you’re suddenly answering a few questions about your high school experience for Parsippany Patch. Carpe Diem (credit to my junior year English teacher for the Latin).

Biggest high school challenge you overcame: Staying motivated to work. It’s difficult to keep up the effort for school work for four years. A lot of times you question if it’s worth it. However, I’ve realized after four years that all the work that one puts in will be worth it in the end. Whether it is in academics, athletics or any other goals and dreams, working hard will get you to the finish line.

Favorite part of high school: All of the memories. High school is a fun time. A lot of people talk about how badly they want to leave but I honestly believe it was enjoyable. Think about it, it’s the last time you’ll be a child living off your parents’ money. After this, you have to go out there and bring home the bacon. You thought 180 days of school was rough? Well you’re going to have to work year-round when you have a career. Enjoy it.

Least favorite part of high school: Those days when I woke up and realized it was Monday and I had a whole bunch of work on my plate for the week. It’s quite depressing. And then Friday came and everything was okay again.

Favorite class: Calculus. I know this sounds nerdy, but oh well, that’s exactly what I am. I loved that class, the subject, the teacher and everything else about it.

Community service involvement through a school group: I was in Key Club (an arm of the ). Key Club has been a major part of my four years. I clocked over 150 volunteer hours in this club through Halloween at the High, Relay for Life and many other events to help out the community. I was the treasurer in my senior year.

Most memorable high school experience: Getting an acceptance letter from my college. That was a pretty nerve-racking experience. I ran home from swim practice and opened my e-mail and there it was. Unfortunately, the folder they sent me was rather plain. But other then that, that was a good day.

Recommendations for an incoming freshman: If you sleep a lot, everything will be easier. No, that doesn’t mean sleep through all your classes, that means finishing all your work early and sleeping before you can see the sun rise. It’s hard to fight the powerful force of procrastination but if you can control this natural urge, life slows down.

Advice on making the most of high school: I remember two words getting repeated over and over again my freshman year: “Get involved.” It’s true, just try new things out. If you don’t like it, you can always walk away and try something new that you will like. If you graduate and realize that you weren’t a part of any teams or clubs, you have really missed out. 

How did you achieve being number one in the class: As I said before, sleep. Remember, you can always study more while eating your Cheerios, sitting in homeroom or eating lunch. If it’s 3 a.m. and you can barely keep your eyes open, go to bed; you probably won’t retain much from studying. Yes, it’s a challenge to get good grades, but that A will give you a nice warm fuzzy feeling in your tummy.

Who do you credit for inspiring you in your high school education?  My parents. They both inspired me to keep doing better but never pushed me too hard. They gave me my space and freedom while still making sure that I stayed on track and did well in school. How are they special? Well they’re my mommy and daddy.