(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT – Jan. 25, 2024) – The El Paso Independent School District is proud to announce three of its students are semifinalists for the highly acclaimed National Merit Scholarship.
The National Merit Scholarship is an annual academic competition among high school students for recognition and college scholarships, according to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. The National Merit Scholarship awards $2,500 to each National Merit Scholar.
El Paso ISD spoke with one of the semifinalists, Jennifer Bromley, a senior at Jefferson/Silva Health Magnet High School, who has a strong passion for science and math.
Where did you grow up?
I was born in Shenyang, China, which is in the Liaoning Province. Then, when I was about 2 years old, I moved to El Paso and lived there for a few years. Later, my family traveled around the country, and I lived in different places like Colorado, California and Washington, before finding myself back again in El Paso.
How do you feel about being named as a semifinalist for the National Merit Scholarship?
I know that the competition is fierce because I’m competing against students from across the nation. I am a little worried about how the organizers will view my test scores. I scored high on my PSAT score, but I believe I could have gotten a higher score. My SAT score is pretty good, but I’m not sure if the organization will judge more on my PSAT score or my SAT score. I do hope that my story is unique enough to warrant a potential selection.
What’s your favorite school subject?
Science is so fascinating to me. I love writing and I love being analytical. I like discovering new things and, of course, with the advent of space travel, we might have new opportunities for discovery and new frontiers. I also love math. Math is very amazing and it’s more analytical as well. It’s like science, and we do use math a lot in science. I just find math very logical, and you can apply it to various things.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Hopefully I’m working at NASA or at least helping them in their scientific department. I know that Harvard has a program with the Johnson Space Center, and that would be an amazing place to go with my medical education, as well as my space related bioastronautics Ph.D. and I could work with them after that.
What college do you plan on attending?
My first choice is to go to Harvard. It’s the number one medical school for me. They also have a great program with MIT, the medical engineering and the medical physics program.
Are you involved in any organizations?
I am currently in the National Art Honor Society where I am the treasurer. I am also the president of a group that provides professional seminars for free at school where students can learn about financial health and economic information. In addition, I am in HOSA which is now called Future Health Professionals. I was also in the University Interscholastic League where I did some math competitions.
Did you anyone inspire you along your journey?
My father was the main inspiration for my academics. He never forced me to do well in school, he was very supportive, and it made me want to make him proud. I am also thankful to Mr. Eddie Pedregon who introduced me to the Silva Health Magnet program and all its benefits. I’m also thankful to Dr. Jacob Waggoner since he was the one who helped me a lot with my college literacy and helped me with my different scholarship applications. He’s just a great mentor to me.
Do you have any hobbies, or do you participate in anything outside of school?
I’m currently volunteering at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso. I go every day and, basically, I’m helping with research which involves studies on breast cancer.
Do you have any advice for students?
I would encourage more students to come to Silva Health Magnet. We offer a plethora of programs, spanning several options in the medical field. Even if it doesn’t encompass a specific program for you, you can also go to the preceptorship program because that enables you to choose any medical profession of your choice to shadow as long as you get their permission, of course.
Learn more: https://youtu.be/B2WnVWKI7YA?feature=shared