Getting through high school, for most, is no easy feat. Many students spend these four years of school studying with seemingly no end in sight. Select students tackle this tremendous task with grace, discipline, and a sprinkling of rock music. All of these traits apply to UC High’s Class of 2024 Valedictorian, Senior Alexander Radulescu.
“I did not come into high school thinking, ‘I want to be the Valedictorian.’ I did, however, want to challenge myself and learn as much as I could. I found that one of the best ways to do so was to go and take the hardest classes I believed I was able to take on, which is how I ended up becoming Valedictorian,” said Radulescu. Never one to back down from a challenge, Radulescu took 11 Advanced Placement (AP) classes, 2 Honors classes, and 5 Community College courses, which resulted in a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 4.88.
Throughout high school, Radulescu aimed to take classes that interested him. “I’m very interested in STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering and Math], and I wanted to see how high I could go with STEM classes,” said Radulescu. His favorite classes include AP Computer Science A and AP United States History [APUSH]. Radulescu said, “[APUSH] was amazing. I absolutely loved the class. I really loved Mr. Brown as a teacher. I thought he did an amazing job at engaging the class, and I would recommend that
class to anyone who is interested.”
History Teacher Michael Brown thinks highly of Radulescu. “Throughout my thirty-year tenure at University City High School, I’ve had the privilege of working with many exceptional students, yet Alex truly stood out as a young man brimming with incredible potential. It was during his junior year in my AP United States History class that his remarkable talents first caught my attention. Alex embodies the finest qualities of his generation, showcasing an insatiable curiosity, a fervent passion for politics, history, and social progress, all underscored by his profound empathy, warmth, and maturity, which distinguish him from his peers,” said Brown.
Becoming Valedictorian, for many, is synonymous with sleepless nights spent studying and caffeine- charged crams. Radulescu took a different approach to tackling tough classes. “One of the things that helped me is learning time management skills. Setting aside time to focus on working and planning out the day in advance makes everything a lot easier,” said Radulescu.
While some find study motivation in the opportunity to take a nap or watch a favorite show afterwards, Radulescu found his through family. “I feel that my family was my main motivation. My family members are all very hard working and disciplined, so I developed that mindset from them, and I wanted to embody the values that they hold,” said Radulescu.
In addition to his academic workload, Radulescu balanced numerous extracurriculars throughout high school. “One of my favorite extracurriculars would be participating in the San Diego Math Circle at University of California, San Diego [UCSD]. I joined Math Circle in middle school. We meet weekly at UCSD, and professors from the university come and lecture. It allows gateways to math competitions,” said Radulescu. As for sports, Radulescu participates in water polo in the fall and swims in the spring.
Over the span of the last four years, Radulescu has assumed leadership and volunteering positions in programs serving San Diego. Radulescu said, “I have participated in Model United Nations through the Del Mar Rotary Club. I joined my freshman year of high school. My first year I was a delegate, and the last two years I have been leading the conferences as a secretary general. It is a very cool activity that allows people to become engaged in debate and see new perspectives and cultures.” Radulescu’s involvement, however, extends beyond this. He said, “I volunteer at the Birch Aquarium. I have been volunteering there for the last two years, whenever I have time to. It is a great way to engage with the local community and share information about the environment.”
Hobbies-wise, Radulescu has an expansive, alternative music taste and enjoys listening to a variety of rock bands. “Radiohead is [a band] I like to listen to a lot, as well as the Smiths and the National,” said Radulescu. He even listens to rock music while studying. “I would not recommend it to everyone, because sometimes it can be a little distracting,” Radulescu joked.
In the fall, Radulescu will be attending University of California, San Diego (UCSD) as a computer science major. His hard work, along with his participation in many after-school activities, has made him a role model to his peers. His dedication to studying and determination to succeed has certainly earned him the well-deserved title of Valedictorian.