Kristyann Esteron of the Silverado Star: What are your plans after high school?

Lynn Chien: After high school, I definitely plan on going to college, ideally in California since it’s not too far away. Hopefully, I can study computer science maybe even pre-law. And also maybe garner some independence out there (laughs). 

Star: What are you passionate about? What are your interests?

Chien: I’m very passionate about gaming. I just love gaming and love helping others, so that’s why I’m part of so many organizations that help other people like Mu Alpha Theta. I’m very passionate about math tutoring. I love math tutoring. And also LLS (Leukemia & Lymphoma Society) of course. NHS (National Honor Society)–just the fact of being there and the leadership is really fun for me. 

Star: What activities do you participate in at Silverado?

Chien: I participate in Mu Alpha Theta, which is a math tutoring club. I’m the president there and then the secretary for National Honor Society, and I’m a member of Varsity Quiz. Oh! And I also co-founded Mahjong Club, which is basically a strategic game. It’s pretty cool.

Star: You take a lot of rigorous classes as well as take on a lot of responsible roles in clubs and such. How do you manage your time in order to fulfill these responsibilities? 

Chien: Um, that’s a good question (laughs). I’ve increased my organizational skills over the years, being able to fit everything into my schedule just because I know I’m not going to have two clubs on the same day or anything, that on top of school work. I just kind of have a to-do list. I have things that I’m going to remind myself to accomplish.

Star: Do you pull all-nighters?

Chien: I don’t actually. When I get home, I sort of calculate how long it’ll take me to do everything. That’s how I get things done. Epecially with my extracurriculars, I fit those in.

Star: If you could give underclassmen advice, what would it be?

Chien: I would say, firstly, if you see someone you think is cool, go talk to them because for me this year, there are people I’ve known since freshman year, but I never had the confidence to go and be friends with them. Now when I am friends with them, I’m like, wow, we could’ve been friends this whole time. So just don’t be scared. Also, of course, plan things out. And have fun. Don’t stress yourself out. If you fail, you fail. It’s not the end of the world. There are many things you’re going to fail in life, and there are always ways to improve yourself. 

Star: What is your proudest achievement in high school so far?

Chien: I guess the fact that I’ve been able to maintain straight A’s…all the academic rigor is really hard, especially last year. This year has been also difficult, but just being able to maintain the energy and motivation to do it because I didn’t think I’d be able to have the motivation to accomplish what I have–I think I’m proud of myself for that. 

Star: What are some of your goals for this year? And how are you accomplishing them? 

Chien: My #1 goal this year was just to relax, have fun, be happy, just being able to do as much as possible while still being safe of course because of Covid. And being able to enjoy my final year here, so I’ve just been taking every opportunity I can to do fun things. Like for example, it was a very much spontaneous thing for us to make a Mahjong Club, because I love Mahjong. It’s a game, part of my culture. So, it was just all of a sudden where I was like you know what? Let’s do it! This entire year has just been like I want to do it and I can do it, so I will. That’s been my mindset.

Star: Is there a certain motto or quote that you live by?

Chien: I’m definitely an optimistic person, so there’s a quote I’ve really liked for a while. It’s part of a musical called “Dear Evan Hansen” from Broadway. I love that musical. It’s “today’s going to be a good day because today at least you’re you and that’s enough.”