A Q&A with November Student of the Month: Mercedes Thao

Mercedes Thao is a sophomore who was picked by staff for the Timberline "Student of the Month" for November.

The Timberline Student of the Month is selected through the following criteria:

• Extracurricular involvement / leadership

• Good citizenship (through compassion, honesty, trustworthiness, optimism, and responsibility)

• Academic effort

• Intrinsic motivation

• A strong work ethic

What are some of your best accomplishments?

Some of my best accomplishments are winning the Unique Style Arts Award last year and getting good grades.

Which class do you believe showcases your skills best?

I believe I am good in all my classes. Programming is my favorite class because it is like math, science, and English combined. I can also code images using shapes and colors, which is like drawing.

Who are your role models and why?

It would be my parents because they raised me well and love me very much. I don't have any other role models, specifically. I prefer to observe because everyone has their own unique way of thinking and doing their own things.

What are your main motivations?

My main motivation is to prepare myself for the future, being able to think for myself, and becoming independent in a way that I will ask people for help, but also to do things myself and help others.

After graduation, what do you plan to accomplish?

After high school, I plan on at least getting my bachelor’s degree and I want to maybe start my own business. I want to become an entrepreneur and own my own store, restaurants, etc. This may change later on if I found another job that is in my interests.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

In 10 years I hope that I can get my bachelor's degree. I would like to get a successful job and at the same time build a business and get to know more about myself while developing myself to be better role model for people. I would like to get my bachelor’s degree in business management and haven’t, for now, decided much for the future.

What are some ways you unwind or relax after a hard day’s work?

The way I like to relax is by taking care of my baby sister now that my baby sister is here. I usually just watch her and I like to play some video games, as well as read, write, and draw.

The Fun Questions

If you could have a superpower, what ability would it be?

The superpower I would like have is the ability to have super strength.

If you could have dinner with anyone, who would you choose and why?

I would choose no one because everyone is great.

Favorites

Color?

My favorite color is blue.

Food?

I do not have a favorite food.

Current song and artist?

My favorite song or artist would be every song and artist I listen to because they are all good.

Book?

I do not have a favorite book.

Animal?

My favorite animal is a tiger.

Movie or show?

I do not have a favorite TV show or movie.

Beverage?

My favorite drink is water.

Other Fun Facts About Mercedes

Mercedes won the following awards in the 2021-22 Scholastics Award Night:

• Outstanding achievement in computer programming

• Outstanding achievement in English 9

• Art “Unique Style Award”