Kevyn smiles for the camera
A graduating senior at Somerville High School, Kevyn Dalida has big plans for the future. This fall, he is excited to begin the pre-med track at Rutgers University, where he plans to major in neuroscience and minor in linguistics. As he moves on from high school, Kevyn will fondly remember his laps around the track with the SHS track team, afternoons in the pool with the swim team, and jamming on his tenor sax with the other band kids, although he always says “I’m just a kid who does band.”
In his sophomore year, Kevyn founded the Asian Student Association with five of his peers. Through the creation of this club he sought to bring more awareness to Asian and Asian-American culture to the students of Somerville High School, celebrating his own heritage in the process. Throughout high school Kevyn was also involved in the Genesis Club and Spanish Club.
Kevyn always has worked hard to excel academically. Kevyn was especially passionate about his AP Biology course, which when coupled with his strong desire to help others, led him to pursue pre-med as a major. “I’ve always felt called to help others and have a deep interest in the science behind medicine,” Kevyn explains. “Pursuing a career in medicine was the perfect way to combine both.”
While Kevyn will carry many fond memories with him from high school, his time in Peer Leadership stands out most, reminding him of his passion for mentoring others. “It was one of those once-in-a-lifetime opportunities,” he says. “I loved both the class and the breakouts with freshmen.”
“Peer leadership also helped me in tuning [up] my leadership skills, which were definitely rusty and needed help in the beginning of the school year. I don’t regret joining it at all.”
His advice to future students? “Be yourself and don’t compare. Everyone’s journey is unique.”
“High school is a very easy place for people to turn the corner and think about what other people think about them. I myself struggled with my self-consciousness throughout a great deal of my high school career. I recommend that you prioritize yourself and not think ‘how do I be like them?’ to an extreme level.”
Kevyn is grateful for the support of his friends, family, and teachers who helped guide him toward a path he’s truly passionate about.