alumni interview aim kumpsiri

Hello! Can you please tell us a little bit about yourself? Hi! My name is Aim, and I’m a part of ICS’s class of 2020 and Tufts University’s class of 2025.

What is something new you’ve discovered about yourself over the COVID lockdown period or during your gap year? I’ve discovered that I’ve lost many interests I had during my high school years. During quarantine, I’ve been able to rekindle my love for playing the piano and learning Japanese. Free time without stress also felt amazing.

Why did you decide to take a gap year? My parents were concerned about the COVID situation in the United States to begin with. I’ve also consulted with current Thais at Tufts and they all agreed that freshman year of college is more about learnwing how to survive independently, managing difficult courses, and making new friends. The equally expensive online experience of college would defeat the entire purpose of the freshman experience I wanted. Going to Tufts during the second semester also doesn’t sound as ideal because all the freshmen would already form their little groups, so I decided I’ll just start over with a new class!

What activities are you doing currently while waiting to go to Tufts next year? I’ve been interning at ICS as a teacher assistant for AP Chemistry and I’ll continue this throughout the first quarter. My job is to help Mrs.Eunice prepare lab equipment and materials for classes. I’ve also been teaching deaf children DIY crafts on Saturdays and have been working for The Speaking Hub as their PR as well. After my internship at ICS ends, I’ll move on to intern at an art company.

When did the option of becoming a TA for AP Chemistry come to mind? I took Drama class a year ago and Sherry from the class of 2019 was also interning as a teacher assistant for Mr. G, so when the idea of a gap year became a reality, I immediately thought of becoming a TA like Sherry.

Does visiting ICS almost every day feel a little different now that you’ve graduated? Visiting ICS often makes me miss my senior friends, but I still view ICS as a second home. What makes this time special is that I can have my phone out and “the rules don’t apply to me.”

How do you stay connected with Tufts students despite taking a gap year? I’m still in the Tufts 2024 Facebook group and I often pay attention to announcements on club meetings and orientation information. The Tufts Thai Students’ Association also holds activities and I sometimes join in.

What are you most excited about for the future? I’m excited to revisit the hobbies I never had time for and further my interests in art. As a pursuing Biomedical Engineering major, I know I might not have enough time for art when I get to college. I’m also excited to volunteer and produce a long term impact on society by teaching kids.

What advice do you have for the class of 2021? Senior year is stressful, but you’ll definitely get through it. As long as you try your best, you’ll be satisfied with the results.