WESTBROOK – Westbrook High School senior Ayantu Regassa is poised to be among her generation’s leaders in the fields of biology and chemistry.

The 18-year-old student has been recognized as an outstanding participant in the National Achievement Scholarship Award Program and was accepted early admission into the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Regassa already knows the rigors of MIT. She said one of her proudest accomplishments was completing a summer program at the school last year. The Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science, she explained, is “basically one college semester crammed into six weeks.” She took five college-level courses in calculus, physics, biology/chemistry/biochemistry, humanities and a hands-on elective. She described it as the “most academically challenging” thing she has done and a “humbling experience.”

Regassa, daughter of Tiruneh Bonni and Yeshiwork Feyissa, was born in Ethiopia and moved to the United States with her parents and older sister when she was 8 years old. Since arriving here, she has been an academic whiz.

“Ayantu is an extremely academically talented student who excels in advanced levels of mathematics and science. She has exceeded performance standards in every corner of her academic program while working hard to fulfill her goals and aspirations,” said high school Principal Marc Gousse.

Regassa took some time to speak with the American Journal about her aspirations and what it was like growing up in Westbrook.

Q: What were your feelings when you found out you were accepted to MIT?

A: MIT admissions had informed early applicants the exact date and time decisions would be available online: Dec. 16 at 9 p.m. That night, I was very nervous and fully expecting to see a deferral letter on the screen. When at 9:01 I pulled up the screen and read the words, “it is my pleasure to offer you admission” I was completely in shock. I had to read it several times before I told my parents. Once it actually sank in, I was beyond excited and definitely relieved. Still, there are times, even now, when I have to convince myself that I actually got in.

Q: What are your academic interests and what do you hope to study in college?

A: I am mainly interested in studying biology and chemistry. More specifically, molecular biology, biochemistry and genomics are the areas where I would like to focus. Right now, personalized medicine really appeals to me and I think an education in those areas would be useful in pursuing that interest. My goal is to someday conduct medical research using drug treatments tailored to the patients’ specific DNA and the genetic mutations that caused their disease.

Q: What role has your family played in helping you make it this far?

A: My family is my foundation. They taught me how to work hard, be dedicated, and motivate myself. It was from my family that I learned that nothing less than 100 percent is acceptable. The combined influence of my family and my origin has instilled in me good work ethic and dedication, which I believe are very important in achieving one’s goals.

Q: What are your interests outside of school?

A: I like to do some volunteer work in my free time, but like any other teen, I also enjoy sitting around and watching TV. In terms of volunteer work, I’ve done some tutoring at Westbrook High and I’ve also worked with Maine Teen Talk. As for favorite TV shows, I have several. I tend to enjoy medical-related shows like “House,” as well as comedies such as “Modern Family” and “Glee.”

Q: As an academically gifted student, was it ever tough to avoid the “geek” label?

A: I don’t think it’s hard to avoid that label, probably because I’ve never considered myself a “geek.” When I think “geek,” I think of someone who is socially awkward and can always be found with his/her face in a book. That is not me. I get my work done, and yes, occasionally I can be found spending my summer at a program that consists of serious academic challenges, but I don’t think that makes me a geek. I think that makes me a “nerd,” which, to me, is someone who is academically gifted and enjoys academically challenging courses, and I am happy to own that label.

Q: What do you think about the education you received through the Westbrook School District?

A: The Westbrook School District has some amazing teachers. Most of them are willing to help students after school, before school, or any time they are available in order to make sure their students are receiving the best education the system can give them. These teachers are one of the major reasons for my academic success so far. Another thing I’ve noticed about the Westbrook school system is that you get back what you put into it. If a student is willing to put in the effort, then he/she will get a great education. In the end, that is what a student should hope to have in a school, an opportunity to work hard to get a good education.

Q: Do you have any advice for younger kids who want to succeed in school?

A: I think the main thing for kids to remember is that there is no easy road to success. People have to work hard and be dedicated. It doesn’t matter how naturally smart they are, if they do not put in the effort and dedication, they are limited and can only go so far. That means when they move on to higher levels where there are people that are smarter and are willing to do the work, they will not have the tools to overcome their limitations. So basically, the key is to work hard, be dedicated, and keep striving to improve yourself. Also, it is very important to have fun and be passionate.

Westbrook High School senior Ayantu Regassa has already been accepted to Massachusetts Institute of Technology, one of the most academically rigorous schools in the country. “She has exceeded performance standards in every corner of her academic program while working hard to fulfill her goals and aspirations,” said high school Principal Marc Gousse.Courtesy photo