By Hannah Park
“Good morning, everyone, and HAPPY FRIDAY!”
This cheerful call wakes up Baron Banner in the mornings—of course, varying the days of the week. But it’s not a teacher’s greeting: it’s a student’s! Full of energy, confidence and cheer, junior Jayden Nguyen spreads positivity everywhere he goes.
A new journalist this school year, Nguyen was drawn to the newspaper due to his camaraderie with existing staff (that is, his friends). At the same time, he loves to write!
“I really enjoy lifestyle articles and just writing about random things [that no one’s heard of],” Nguyen said. “Maybe that will be my niche in Baron Banner.”
His love for media extends to literature and movies. He cites the classic “Tarzan of the Apes” as his favorite book of all time and has an abiding passion for anime (especially “A Silent Voice” and “Jujutsu Kaizen 0”).
As for Nguyen himself? As his morning greeting suggests, Nguyen’s optimism is something to be admired. He also embodies two seemingly contradictory traits: a high level of energy and a laid-back personality. Consequently, Nguyen participates in the school’s wrestling team, martial arts (kickboxing) and a host of APs (including AP Chemistry and AP Computer Science), yet he finds time to chill and game with his friends.
And, it’s working for him, too!
“My current record on the wrestling team is four wins and one loss,” Nguyen said. “I’m passing all my classes … [and] balancing my school life with my personal life. I’ve found a really happy medium.”
How does Nguyen find this balance?
“I tend to [stay] in the present or look not too far in the future. I’m a very ‘go with the flow’ type of person,” Nguyen said. “I think [martial arts] is one of the main [reasons] why I’m so calm. I release all my stress after school!”
However, Nguyen retains a healthy dose of humility: he realizes that sometimes “going with the flow” can leave him unprepared. That being said, he’s always looking to improve. Nguyen doesn’t have a single role model but rather takes inspiration from many.
“I look up to an amalgamation of … all the best people around me,” Nguyen said.
And, like the rest of us, he loves food! His favorite meal is fried chicken (any kind). Nguyen doesn’t know what career he wants to pursue yet, but one of his interests centers around cooking.
“In 10 years … I’ll hopefully find myself in a comfortable job, maybe even start[ing] a business,” Nguyen said. “I’ve been really looking into the restaurant business [because] I grew up in that environment.”
In essence, Nguyen is the perfect example of “work hard, play hard.” Baron Banner appreciates the joy he brings to class every day and looks forward to the amazing work he has in store for this year!