Diverse Interests Bring Many Opportunities

Sporting diverse interests and an outgoing personality, Ling Xu, a senior at Plum High School is sure to excel in any endeavor she decides to pursue. Her experiences in school include membership in National Honor Society, cheerleading for the past three years, and holding a part in the school's production of "The Music Man". She has also been involved in student government and is currently President of Student Council.

She is also a member of the Girls Leadership Association (GLA), which has given her opportunity to do many community service projects. The group, which builds leadership skills in young women, has volunteered at school dances, senior centers, and has collected glasses for people in need.

Because Ling Xu has such a wide range of interests, her college and career choice has been quite difficult. So, she has applied to numerous colleges and told me that where she gets accepted will determine what course she will be setting her life to. One of her interests is law, and she would like one day to become a corporate lawyer. Her responsibility as a peer mediator at school and position on council has given her a taste of what the legal field may be like. As a peer mediator she has been able to arbitrate problems between students and between students and teachers. Ling Xu said that she doesn't get to do this often because there are a lot of mediators at the school and not a lot of problems that need taken care of.

On the other hand, if Ling Xu gets into Northwestern she will be going to college for journalism. She feels that it is important to know what is going on in the world and journalism gives you the "inside scoop." She has had experience working on the newspaper staff at school as a People Editor. She edits the people centered interviews such as the Athlete of the Month, Teacher of the Month, and Student Spotlight. This is a responsibility that she has had for the past four years. The newspaper staff at the high school is fairly large. They produce a newspaper once every two months. Another of her career considerations is a major in business. So, right now, she could go in any of these directions.

Another of her in school responsibilities is playing the piano for the elementary chorus. She took piano lessons years ago and is now quite talented. When she isn't attending play practice, cheering for the school team, or attending club events, she works at the Baskin Robins in the Monroeville Mall.

Wherever she chooses to go, she will surely take along her excitement and thirst for new experiences. Ling Xu lives in Plum Borough with her parents Yanger and Jan and her brother Jonathan.

If you would like to find out more about the Plum High School, visit their website at www. pbsd.k12.pa.us/