5 Questions for ...

Eric Wu

Who are you?

I’m Eric Wu. I’m a Clifton Park resident, a senior student at Shenendehowa High School, and a brother, the younger of my parent’s two children. I just found out that I earned a perfect score on my Advanced Placement Computer Science A Exam in the spring.

What do you like to do?

Since the seventh grade, computer programming has been a hobby of mine. I find Java interesting.

I like playing the violin. I perform with the Empire State Youth Orchestra on first violin. We’re practicing to perform in the Melodies of Christmas concerts Dec. 20-23 at Proctor’s Theatre in Schenectady. I practice at home and with EYO from 7 to 10 p.m. Tuesday every week.

How did you manage to do so well on the computer science exam? What did your friends say when they heard the news?

I had to study a lot. Without all the practice tests that my teacher, Mr. Hanley, gave us, I would never have been able to do so well. All it takes is one mistake and no perfect score.

My friends just said, “We’re not surprised.” My parents congratulated me.

What would you like to do in the future after graduating from high school?

I’m applying to colleges and expect to go on to grad school after that, and hopefully, on to a job. I would like to work at Google. I understand it’s got a great work environment. I’d like to become an electrical engineer.

Why do you enjoy playing the violin so much?

The violin is a beautiful instrument. It has the best sound for an instrument of its size. I’ve been playing for 10 years now.

(On hearing the news of Eric Wu’s test results, Shenendehowa Central School District Superintendent of Schools Dr. Oliver Robinson said, “I think what Eric has achieved is amazing. Twentysix thousand students took that advanced placement exam and only 18 earned a perfect score. The advanced placement exams are rigorous; Eric just wants to be a good student.”)

— By Francine Grinnell

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