Schools

What's it Like to Be a Genius? WWS Senior Tells Patch

Adam Erickson, named a 2013 U.S. Presidential Scholar, tells Patch what it was like to make the cut.

Wheaton Warrenville South High School senior Adam Erickson is one of 141 students to be named to the 49th class of U.S. Presidential ScholarsU.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced Monday.

In the fall, Erickson will go to Yale University, with plans to major in molecular biophysics and biochemistry. He scored a 36 on his ACT, took extra math courses at College of DuPage, was named a National Merit finalist and in 2012 received one of Wheaton's "Good Citizen" awards for his work as president of the Wheaton Warrenville South Key Club. He also led an effort to raise nearly $100,000 for cancer research. 

His name isn't going anywhere. We'll probably see it on Wikipedia's list of "notable people from Wheaton" at some point. So, we wanted to be sure to ask him a couple of questions before he leaves Wheaton and cures cancer or does something equally huge. 

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Patch: What is it like to be selected for such a competitive scholarship? 

Erickson: Oh gee, it makes me nervous even after I’ve already been accepted, knowing that 140 kids came out of 3,300 candidates and 3 million test takers. I’m not sure who made the mistake in the selection committee office that awarded me the honor, but however it happened I am incredibly grateful. 

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I really have to attribute any of this success to my AP Chemistry teacher Phil Culcasi’s care for students and ability write awesome letters of recommendation, because I highly doubt anything that I wrote could have gotten me accepted or held a candle to Mr. Culcasi’s work. (Mr. C, I apologize if this increase the number of requests you receive for next year’s applications, but students know quality work and care when they see it). This award is also a product of the many opportunities I’ve been given at WWSHS, COD, Loyola Medical, The American Cancer Society, and several other places. 

I think I try pretty hard, but not nearly hard enough, and I know I would be nowhere without the kind, generous individuals and mentors that I have found at these organizations.    

Patch: What will this mean for you? 

Erickson: Well, first off it means an awesome trip to DC, and also a chance to apply for a trip to China that follows immediately afterwards.  Hopefully I meet Obama, but I’m pretty sure that that is not guaranteed. I would be equally as happy to witness a Joe Biden gaffe, which my intuition tells me might be far more likely. 

Also, all of the scholars receive a nice medallion! But in terms of more important items, it means I receive more opportunities to grow and meet other people who are much smarter than me. I will enjoy the semi-paid trip to DC and I’m sure I will ask a multitude of questions of the other scholars that will make me feel like any of my achievements pale in comparison. Of course I am very excited for this, because I always welcome a healthy opportunity to be humbled by others far more deserving than myself!

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