ANDREW SEEL
ST. LUKE’S SCHOOL CLASS OF 2024
HOMETOWN: NEW CANAAN
In the fall I will be… attending Emory University. At this point, I plan to study a dual-major of Public Health and Economics on a pre-med track. I am interested in exploring the impact of economics on health equity.
My trip to China this summer… From the age of 3 to 11, I lived in Shanghai, which I can truthfully say is my favorite city. I wanted to experience living in the city again, especially since I haven’t visited since the summer before Covid started. However, more importantly, I wanted to improve my Chinese-speaking skills. I worked there as an intern for Value Retail, a global outlet mall collection which has a village in Shanghai.
My favorite subject in school… has changed over the years. In the past, my preferred subject was math, because I enjoyed the satisfaction of solving problems. However, recently I’ve preferred chemistry, which I have to thank my teacher Mr. LeBris for. It’s like a puzzle, one that you need to think deeply about, similar to solving a Sudoku puzzle (which I also enjoy).
The importance of music… Music has been an important part of my life. I play piano competitively and play violin as a soloist and in ensembles.
My role models include… my mother. She grew up in China during the Cultural Revolution, a time of great turmoil and hardship, and her sacrifice and determination to attain an education I will forever admire. I see her determination in her everyday life, and I strive to follow her. My mom once said to me when I was young that if you spend time doing something, you might as well do it well. I think that’s the best advice I have heard.
I like to decompress by… exercising. For me, that’s either playing soccer or just running.
The thing I’m most excited about in college is… to meet a diverse group of people, who have different life experiences and perspectives, and form relationships with them.
I give back to my community by… My main act of giving back to my community is at the neighboring city-run recreation center, teaching piano to 16 children from low-income households. My feeling of responsibility for my students has also transferred to my own motivation to be a better musician.
In ten years I see myself… as a person who’s making a change in the world, whether that’s as a doctor or in a public health policy role.
WHY ANDREW IS A TEEN TO WATCH:
First violinist in the Norwalk Youth Symphony playing in 30+ concerts a year
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Played at venues like Tanglewood and Carnegie Hall
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Accomplished pianist having won numerous awards
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Recipient of the St. Luke’s Music Award in 2021
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Selected to participate in the 2023 Yale Young Global Scholars program
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Certified and volunteer EMT
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Starting Left Back on Varsity Soccer team and Inter-CT Soccer Club
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Honorable mention recipient in the regional league All-FAA awards