As graduation approaches, senior Wei Lim is preparing to take the next step in his academic journey at the University of California Los Angeles. There, he plans to study electrical engineering for his bachelor’s degree. Throughout his four years at Claremont High School, Lim has built a reputation for taking initiative by balancing academics, athletics, and extracurricular activities while encouraging others to create opportunities for themselves.
That mindset has guided many of his experiences at CHS. During his freshman year, Lim joined STEM Club and helped organize fundraisers that supported robotics programs. He later became the treasurer of the Young Investors Club, where members managed a stock portfolio and explored real-world investing. The club invested in companies including Berkshire Hathaway and planned to donate proceeds toward promoting financial literacy – proceeds that Lim chiefly managed. Lim was also heavily involved in Math Club, eventually serving as its vice president.
In addition to his academic pursuits, Lim has been a dedicated member of the cross-country and track teams. He first started running in middle school after encouragement from a classmate, a decision that shaped much of his high school experience. Running also helped Lim build friendships and become part of a larger community on campus. While academics came to him naturally, athletics presented different challenges.
“Sports gave me something to work toward,” Lim said. “I always had a goal to improve my speed…[which] was difficult, and when I got sick, it was hard to catch up on both training and homework.”
Despite those challenges, Lim credits athletics with teaching him perseverance and discipline, qualities that carried over into other aspects of his life.
As he reflects on his time at CHS, Lim is quick to recognize those who influenced his journey. He credits Max Abbott for convincing him to join cross-country in middle school, a decision that ultimately led to years of competition and friendships. Lim also thanks Aageyaa Shrivastav, whom he met through STEM Club and who introduced Lim to baking, one of his off-campus hobbies.
Looking ahead to UCLA, Lim plans to continue pursuing challenging opportunities while remaining open to new interests and experiences. His advice to younger students reflects the philosophy that has guided his own success:
“Start something. If you’re interested in something, don’t wait for someone else to do it. Just try it and see where it goes. Worst [case scenario] you just quit.”
For Lim, high school was not defined by a single accomplishment but rather a willingness to take initiative, a lesson he hopes other students will carry with them during their years at Claremont High School.
