Meet LPS Focus Program Senior: Khalid, Science

The mission of Lincoln Public Schools is to prepare ALL students for successful careers, lifelong learning and civic engagement.

High school graduation is a culmination of our scholars' and educators' hard work toward this significant milestone. 

The LPS Focus Programs’ core values of exploration, education, engagement and empowerment are beliefs rooted in the overall LPS mission and the school district’s commitment to high school graduation. 

Read how Science Focus Program senior Khalid used LPS Focus Programs to Launch at LPS in this Q&A. 

Name: Khalid

Grade: 12

Home High School:  East

Focus Program: Science

 

Why did you choose the Science Focus Program?

I chose the Science Focus Program because I wanted a space where I could find my scientific passion through the abundance of classes.

How did the Science Focus Program change your high school experience?

Here at the Science Focus Program, we focus heavily on independent learning. I have been able to collaborate with my classmates and teachers on a much deeper level than what you would get at a regular high school.

What is the greatest lesson you learned from the Science Focus Program? Why?

It is perfectly acceptable to ask your teachers and classmates for help. Every time I am stuck on something, whether that be a half-angle formula or a crew paragraph thesis, I am greeted by classmates and teachers happy to help the best they can.

How did the Science Focus Program help you reach your graduation goals?

I have been able to find my passions within STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). I have also been able to take lots of fun elective classes such as publications, heroes in literature, and environmental chemistry.

What are your post-graduation plans?

I will attend Emory University in Atlanta, Ga., in the fall to major in biochemistry.

How did the Science Focus Program help prepare you for those post-graduation plans? 

I've learned to embrace a small collaborative environment with a tight-knit community through my time here at the Science Focus Program (SFP). The experiences of working and listening to others will help me with my future career goal of becoming a physician.

How did the Science Focus Program help prepare you for the future?

Research is a huge part of the Science Focus Program. 

As a freshman, you learn the basics of how to do scientific research and we even make a mini-project of our own. As a sophomore, you expand your knowledge and work on a year-long project on an animal at the zoo. As a junior and senior, you get to branch off on your own and find a topic you are passionate about for a year-long project that you present at the Nebraska Junior Academy of Sciences (NJAS) and Senior Research Night. I plan to work on research during my undergrad at Emory, and this journey of research is the perfect preparation for that.

What would your advice be to younger students considering joining your focus program? Why?

It's perfectly okay to be unsure about your passions, whether academically or in extracurricular activities when entering high school. Branching out and discovering yourself is part of the journey. I believe that SFP provides the ideal environment to help you figure those things out.

What are you most thankful about this experience? Why?

I am most thankful to my peers and especially my teachers. They have supported me all four years of my journey and I credit all my success to them.

Congratulations, Khalid! We wish you the best in your future endeavors. We are thankful our educators could help you Launch at LPS!

Choose your passion. Choose your community. Choose your future with LPS Focus Programs. 

Learn more about the Science Focus Program by visiting its website at  https://science.lps.org/ or stop by our website home.lps.org/focus to get more information about all our focus programs.

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