ALAK P. ‘26

Alak, Class of ‘26, is in his third year at Tampa Prep.  He loves role-playing board games (D&D), reading and, as a fraternal twin, he really appreciates the fact that he is, and always has been, treated as an individual at the school, by the faculty and administration.  “Me and my brother couldn’t be more different.  And, I love that the teachers at Tampa Prep treat us as individuals.”

Favorite subject? “I really like school, in general, and I definitely like all my classes.  But, when it comes to school subjects, I think that I like science the best.  Science is just really fun – I’ve always loved seeing how things work, how they fit together and how they can be used in day-to-day life.  Ms. Cayon makes that class really fun and exciting.”

Other interests? “I’m on the Tampa Prep swim team and I’m also doing bowling right now, as one of my electives.  I’m not great bowler – I guess it depends on the day.  My goal is to break 100 soon!  I like programming too.  I’ve taken Processing C and C++.  Programming language can be so frustrating, but when it works it’s so satisfying to see it work and to see what went right.  I also love to read.  I read alot – mostly fantasy books.  I love to read big, heavy books and I like to read alot of different books at once, so I prefer to use a Kindle.  My Kindle has gone through alot of wear & tear!”

Favorite teacher? “Honestly, I don’t think that I can pick just one. I really like all my teachers.  The teachers here at Tampa Prep are all so oriented to the students.  At my last school, the teachers didn’t heave enough resources and weren’t really able to give much individual attention.  But, here, It’s just so cool to see how every teacher puts in so much effort, time and attention for every student. You can see that they work so hard to make sure each individual student is getting the help that they need.”

Awards/accomplishments/recognitions?  “I got the Citizenship Award last year, in 7th grade.  That’s the big award and it’s still up in my room on the top shelf of my book shelf, which is where all the special stuff goes.”  

Something you’re proud of?  “In 3D Art last year, we had an assignment on printing.  And, one of my crowning achievements in printing was a little bean bag that I made.  I carved out the print myself and drew it and printed it on fabric. I even learned how to use a sewing machine! It’s red and blue with an Indian design and I still have it.  It’s just a little bean bag but I used so many of my skills to make it and I’m still really proud of it.”

Future aspirations?  “I know that I want to take all AP classes in high school.  I’m not really sure yet where I want to go to college but my main, big goal is to get into medical school.  My Dad is a surgeon and my Mom is a nurse. And growing up with all that medical stuff around all the time really made me want to go into the medical field.  Plus, just being able to help people – I like the idea that I could do that.”

Favorite thing about Tampa Prep?  “I’d have to say that my favorite thing about Tampa Prep is how supportive and accepting everybody is.  At my old school, things were very inflexible.  At Tampa Prep you have access to so many options.  It really makes you feel like there are no limits to what you can accomplish.”