EPISD Senior Spotlight: Jai Patel, Coronado High
(CORONADO HIGH SCHOOL -- Sept. 18, 2020) — Coronado High’s Jai Patel, one of EPISD’s five National Merit Semifinalists, heads the math department in the newly established Student Tutors of El Paso. The future doctor and NHS member plays varsity tennis and competes in UIL math. Community Engagement virtually interviewed him for the next Senior Spotlight. Here’s his take on virtual learning and preparing for the SAT and PSAT.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: What does it mean to you to be named a National Merit Semifinalist?
JAI PATEL: I feel very grateful to be a National Merit Semifinalist. It’s pretty cool to be one out of a few students chosen as a semifinalist.
CE: What kind of advice would you give juniors who will be taking the PSAT this fall?
JP: I would tell the juniors to just study a little bit every day. Maybe do a few problems every day and eventually, it will add up to help you succeed on the PSAT and SAT.
CE: Where do you plan to go to college and what do you plan to study?
JP: I haven’t really decided where I want to go to college yet. I have some top choices, but I’m still not exactly sure where I want to go. I want to study Pre-Medicine and hopefully go on to become a doctor.
CE: How have you adapted to virtual learning?
JP: I haven’t changed my studying that much. I think the most important thing is to not get distracted during class. I just try to stay focused and complete all of my assignments.
CE: What are your hopes for your senior year?
JP: I hope to go back to normal school sometime during my senior year. I also want to get good grades and get into some of my top college choices.
CE: What advice would you give incoming freshman?
JP: I would tell the freshman to just relax and not get stressed out. I would also tell them to start thinking about college and what they plan to do. It’s important to know your goals beforehand so that you can go through your four years of high school accordingly.
CE: What have you been doing outside of academics to get through the pandemic?
JP: I have been playing tennis almost every day and keeping in touch with my friends. I’ve also been watching a lot of sports now that sports are finally back on.