SLO LIFE AprMay 2020 Low Res

| ON THE RISE
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Jake Browning
This eighteen-year-old San Luis Obispo High School
senior is a National Merit Commended Scholar, a
Golden Tiger award winner, and has been on the
Academic Honor Roll in every trimester. But that is
just his academics. He is also a standout soccer player
having been named Most Valuable Player, All-League,
as well as being the Coach’s Award recipient.
What extracurricular activities are you involved in? I’ve played soccer
since kindergarten. I played club for eight years before competing for four
years in high school. I’m proud to have been a defender on the back-to-back
Mountain League Champion teams these past two years for SLOHS. I also
work part-time at Nucci’s on Broad as a waiter. I enjoy the variety of tasks
required of me and enjoy the chance to use my Spanish in a real world
environment. And, I spend several hours each week tutoring high school
classmates on subjects from SAT prep to math to science and anything
in between. I enjoy working with peers as it challenges me to learn how
others learn and figure out how best to support them.
What do you like to do for fun? I started playing guitar about year ago.
Playing guitar provides me with a challenge as I work to master new
songs. I appreciate the fact that there is always more to learn. I also
love driving scenic routes. A favorite is Highway 1 between SLO and
Cayucos. It’s so pretty, and I love the Brown Butter Baking cookies as
a halfway point before returning home. I listen to a variety of music for
entertainment and to find new pieces to play on guitar. I always have tunes
playing and appreciate a live concert when I can make it happen.
Who has influenced you the most? I’ve been fortunate to have benefitted
from many significant influencers. Most recently, my SLOHS soccer
coach Pat Sigler has taught me the value of accountability, how to work
cohesively with others toward a common goal. He’s a great mentor. I’m
grateful for his guidance.
What is important to you outside of high school? Friendships. Preserving
solid relationships that will endure for the rest of my life. I care about people.
What career do you see yourself in someday? I really enjoy working with
numbers. Maybe I’ll be a financial analyst? An accountant? An actuary?
It’s hard to know right now. I look forward to learning more about career
possibilities in college.
If you could go back in history and meet anyone, who would it be? Martin
Luther King Junior. I admire his resolve and drive to fight for what is right.
What do you dislike the most? Dishonesty. It creates unnecessary breaks in
trust and bonds.
What schools are you considering for college? I’ve applied to eight schools:
four UCs, Boise State, Claremont McKenna, Santa Clara and Stanford. I’m
waiting to hear my options and I’m excited to figure out where my next step
will take me. SLO LIFE
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56 | SLO LIFE MAGAZINE | APR/MAY 2020