CLASS OF 2021
Featuring Sean McGinn
Remarkable! Resilient! Revolutionary!
STUDENT INTERVIEWS WITH THE CLASS OF 2021
The Burbank Arts & Education Foundation is proud to highlight students in the CLASS OF 2021 who have been part of the robust STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) programs in the Burbank Unified School District classrooms. We hope you enjoy reading about their experiences and getting to know them as we celebrate an important milestone in their lives: high school graduation.
Today, we present to you Sean McGinn, who graduated from Burbank High School. He was a member of the BHS golf team and graduated as the BHS valedictorian. His educational journey will continue at the University of Pennsylvania in the fall.
“Challenge yourself, you never know what will happen. You will be surprised at your capabilities and you will be thrilled by the feeling of accomplishment.”
My name is Sean McGinn, I am 17 years old, and I am a graduate of Burbank High School.
What science or math experiences in BUSD impacted your future goals?
I have always enjoyed Math. My 7th and 8th grade teacher at Luther Burbank Middle School, Mrs. Colman, enhanced my Math skills and reinforced my passion for the beauty of Mathematics. She recommended me for the LA Math Field Day program, a competition that was a great experience in which we did very well.
I was fortunate as a freshman to have Mr.Franco as my AP Calculus BC teacher. I appreciated his encouragement and support throughout my high school years and for organizing the AMC math competition in Burbank High.
Through the BUSD GATE program, I was able to become aware of and apply for CTY, THINK summer program (Calculus for Business), and California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS). In those programs, I explored fascinating topics in Mathematics not covered in regular school curriculums and its applications in an environment.
How did sports impact your approach toward other aspects of your life?
Since elementary school in BUSD, I have participated on a club soccer team, swimming team, and Boy Scouts. I will always remember my Rec League basketball team with Coach Greg right after I immigrated in 5th grade. He accepted me onto his team and played me just as much as any other player no matter how many times I double-dribbled or travelled. I played for him through eighth grade. Coach Greg never stopped encouraging me to “take the shot, take the shot”.
During high school, I was a member of Burbank High’s golf team for 4 years. Although golf is primarily considered an individual sport, I thoroughly enjoyed being part of a team and the camaraderie with my teammates, especially when Coach Grimshaw encouraged me all the time to be a role model, to bring the team closer together, and to cheer for other varsity teams. Also, spending time at the golf course at the end of the school day is a great way to peacefully relax your mind.
What experience in Burbank schools motivated you?
In my freshman year I took AP Physics 1 with Mr. Card, who developed my interest in Physics. Since then, I have gone on to study 4 years of Physics, including physics related activities and summer programs.
What advice do you have for younger students?
My advice to younger students is to utilize the resources available to you. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Even in bad situations, it is always good to be calm and find a way to solve the problem. It could be a good opportunity to show your personality and character during this process, keep real friends, and attract new friends. Also, challenge yourself, you never know what will happen. You will be surprised at your capabilities and you will be thrilled by the feeling of accomplishment.
Please share your plans for your future after graduation.
In September, I will attend the University of Pennsylvania. I plan to pursue a double major in economics & science, or a dual degree in finance & science across Penn’s colleges. I am going to explore all possibilities with an open mind and declare my major around sophomore year at Penn.
JOIN US to celebrate the REMARKABLE, RESILIENT, and REVOLUTIONARY Class of 2021. Donate today to support their legacy for future students.