Leonid V.
About Me
Hello! I'm Leonid, an 11th grader at Stanford OHS. I love running, reading, playing video games, and practicing physics problems. My love for running comes from the freedom associated with it: to run, all you need is your own legs! In a way, it's the most natural form of transportation (along with walking). It's refreshing to disconnect from all my work and worries, and just concentrate on that movement. I find it a good way to start the day and get motivated.
Physics has had a special place in my heart since 7th grade, when I first started getting into it through self-studying. It's hard to explain why, but everything about it I find fascinating. Perhaps it's the fact that it can be applied easily on a macro and micro scale, and it's the most "pure" of the applied sciences (so, excluding math). Perhaps there is something about my appreciation for it that I have yet to understand, and perhaps never will. It can be very difficult at times, but the satisfaction when you get it is amazing.
I'm also amazed by the winter. When I was younger, I would be the type of person to miss winter when it's summer, and miss summer when it's winter. As I've grown some more, I've come to love the cold and snow so much more. It's incredibly peaceful and soothing--when it snows, it covers everything. Life slows down for a bit, and turns into a beautiful wonderland. The cold then takes you into its arms and cools you down, allowing you to really connect with the mesmerizing landscape.
Why I Chose Stanford OHS
The challenging coursework here has allowed me to explore and develop passions. I’ve taken physics and computer science every year (and plan to continue through graduation), for example. The level of classes and rigor here is unmatched. Some classes I take here are not offered at the same level in my local schools. This is why I applied to Stanford OHS, and part of why I continue to value that as one of the best decisions in my life.
What I Love About Stanford OHS
What I love most about Stanford OHS is the freedom and flexibility it provides. Firstly, I get a lot of freedom with my schedule. I get to have a lot of choice when it comes to when I have classes and meetings which wouldn't be possible in a regular school, and this allows me to focus on using that time effectively as I prepare for college, where a tradition school schedule will also not be in play. The academic environment at the Stanford OHS is both challenging and rewarding. The teachers at the school are all very knowledgeable, and eager to help. I especially enjoy the flipped-classroom model, as it allows me to prepare well with the material beforehand and be able to ask questions after having had time to absorb the content.
The community here is also amazing. Despite it being an online school, my social life is thriving. I made my first friends here at Homecoming of 2022, when I got invited by someone who was connecting people specifically for the purpose of being friends. Since then, I have had many friends who I talk to daily about my life and everything that's going on. They are all moved by academics, and that is something I appreciate about them as well. We can have enjoyable, intelligent conversations; and at the same time, fun conversations. Finally, since the school can cater to international students, I have a diverse group of friends that I deeply appreciate. Some of my friends span as far as India and South Korea!
While there are challenges due to the online nature of the school, I find the advantages—academic rigor, flexibility with my schedule, and diverse groups of people—to be more rewarding. Stanford OHS is the perfect fit for me to exceed academically and socially.