This past Wednesday, during the Mock Trial quarterfinals, the courtroom judges were clearly taken aback by Nicole Zhu’s outstanding portrayal of defendant Devon Ransom on the witness stand. Ultimately, she fully embodied the character from her deliberate mannerisms to her articulate responses towards the attorneys in the trial. By the end of her testimony, it was obvious why Mock Trial has become such a big part of her high school experience.
As co-president of the Mock Trial club at CHS, it is not unusual for her to be constantly flipping through case materials in preparation for courtroom—a level of dedication that reflects both her leadership role and her passion for the activity. Outside of Mock Trial, Nicole is deeply involved in multiple leadership roles and giving back to the community. She spends much of her time giving back as a teaching assistant at the Chinese school she once attended, where she helps younger students learn and grow, and serves as the JV tennis captain. Additionally, she leads the AAPI interest group and the DND club, further demonstrating her wide-sense involvement at CHS.
Despite her packed schedule, Nicole describes herself as a positive person who tries to find joy even during stressful moments. “No matter a bad test score or a busy day that turns into a late night, I always find some joy for myself,” she said. She also considers herself someone with a wide range of interests, having picked up hobbies like makeup, chain linking, and doodling along the way. Outside of school, you’ll often find her going for walks, experimenting with new recipes, solving puzzles, spending time with friends, or sketching in her notebooks. While her free time is more limited this year due to a heavy workload, she makes an effort to carve out time each day for at least one activity she enjoys.
Furthermore, Nicole also considers herself to be very justice-driven, often engaging in conversations surrounding current events and global issues. “If there’s something impacting the planet or people on it, I like to voice my thoughts.” she shares. “I know that it bothers people – especially many I’m close with – but my mentality is to just ignore them. It’s a part of my identity, and I refuse to change that for other people.”
Academically, Nicole finds fulfillment in classes that allow her to think deeply and reflect critically. She especially enjoys AP Seminar and AP Literature, where the work feels both challenging and meaningful. She also values the sense of community in her math and science classes, noting that the people around her often make even the most demanding weeks more manageable.
Like many juniors, Nicole is balancing an increasingly demanding academic workload while trying to make the most of her high school experience. However, for her, staying motivated isn’t about chasing perfection, but maintaining balance. “I think my greatest goal is to just enjoy the process,” she said. “Sure, the year will be tough, but I know there will also be points of enjoyment if I take the time to ensure they happen. I don’t want to sink into my studies and instead want to keep my connections meaningful.” While she admits that keeping up with practice work can be challenging, she approaches it with honesty and patience. “That goal is definitely already suffering,” she added, “but it’s a work in progress.”
Looking ahead, Nicole isn’t entirely set on a specific career path, but she is certain about one thing: she wants to help people and make an impact. “While I’m not 100% sure, I know I want to do something to help others—whether it’s pharmaceutical or medicine-related or something else entirely,” she said. “I want to make a difference. Although that is something that everyone says, but as delusional as I am sometimes, this is something I’m firm about. I want to make a positive impact on Earth.”
