Growing up in Long Beach was an eclectic experience. It’s a city where beachfront homes sit not far from industrial centers, where kids argue about everything from Jordan vs. Lebron to politics, and where every street seems to speak its own language.
I recently graduated from Long Beach Polytechnic High School, and what people say is true: it’s overcrowded, rowdy and, although a major renovation is underway, a bit run down. It’s also diverse, historic and fiercely proud — for good reason. Besides being the oldest high school in Long Beach, Poly High boasts arguably the most impressive academic profile in the city. Programs like PACE, CIC and PACRIM are filled to the brim with the brightest students in the city.
As a member of PACE, what surprised me most about the students wasn’t just the 4.0 GPAs or the exorbitantly high SAT scores, but how much they do in addition to academics. Sports, volunteering, music — you name it. Students here strive for excellence in everything they do (and they do a lot!). Sure, it’s intimidating, but it also inspired me to push myself in ways I wouldn’t otherwise. The impact of this culture of excellence at Poly cannot be overstated. More than any one class, it was the quiet competition and shared ambition that shaped who I am today. Any success I’ve found undoubtedly started there.
One of my favorite things about growing up in Long Beach has been exploring its many worlds. From grabbing food at local spots around Poly, to riding the El Dorado Frontier, to wandering through Naples on Halloween, the city always had something new to offer a kid eager to see the world. But what makes the city shine are the communities within these areas.
One of my favorites is the pickleball community. Though relatively new, pickleball has exploded in popularity across the nation, and Long Beach is no different. On any given day of the week, at various parks around the city, you’ll find people of all ages playing. I’ve had the privilege of joining some of these groups, and I’ve learned that nowhere else can you get thoroughly “pickled” by someone’s 65-year-old grandma while also receiving some of the best life advice you’ve ever heard. Though I’m often a quarter of the average age, I’ve never felt out of place. Playing pickleball has introduced me to some of the kindest and funniest people I’ve ever met. It’s just one example, but it reminds me how many kinds of people and stories exist in this city.
I don’t think it’s possible to grow up in Long Beach and not take parts of it with you – a bit of pride, some complexity and a lot of heart. Between the expressive Cambodian New Year celebrations and the beautiful views of the city from Hilltop Park, I’ve always been proud to share where I come from. As I prepare to move on to my next chapter at UC Berkeley, I acknowledge that while I still have much to learn, Long Beach was the best place to start.