AHS Valedictorians: Matthew Nguyen

Matthew Nguyen talks about how his hard work throughout high school has paid off, as he will be attending UCLA in the fall, and why he will miss his hometown of Agoura Hills.

Agoura Hills Patch: Looking back, what was your favorite part about high school?

Nguyen: My favorite thing about high school was track and field, because it allowed me to meet so many interesting people who would later become good friends. Track practices allowed all of us to meet, train, and mature together as a team and as friends. And although I'm leaving this year, I know I will never forget all the memories I've had with Agoura track.

Patch: What were some of your greatest moments at Agoura High?

Nguyen: Well I was on track and field for all four years and I was varsity for three and varsity captain for two years. In my time here, I've gotten our schools 4x100m relay record with a time of 42.85 and I am one of the schools premier sprinters in the 100m, 200m, 4x100m relay, and 4x400m relay.

Patch: What other activities were you involved in?

Nguyen: Aside from track, I also did cross country for two years, was part of the Math Honors Society, and was Director of Internal Affairs for Club Asia.

Patch: What was it like balancing all your extra-curriculars?

Nguyen: It got pretty hectic, because I had to decide how much time to devote to my studies, sports, community service, and social life. Although they did cause a lot of stress, I enjoyed running track and doing community service at AYSO. They taught me the values of hard work and perseverance.

Patch: Which college are you going to in the fall?

Nguyen: UCLA. I'm still deciding between pre-med for pediatrics or an optometrist, and molecular cell biology for dentistry.

Patch: Do you think you might come back to Agoura Hills?

Nguyen: Yes, I think I will come back to Agoura, because it has been such a big part of my life and I just love the area.

Patch: Will you miss Agoura Hills?

Nguyen: I definitely will miss Agoura. I've lived in Agoura my whole life and I know that being away will be hard, even though I'm pretty close by at UCLA, not to mention my girlfriend will be a senior at a Agoura High, so I will definitely miss Agoura for sure.