Sharon E. Ko

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“From my volunteer work, I have a sense of contribution to society. It felt good to look outside of myself and attend to the needs of others. It is not enough to achieve for oneself in this world. Caring for others, giving back to society-these are the things that give us real fulfillment.”

  • Program: 2009 College Scholarship Recipient
  • Resides: Los Angeles, CA
  • Hometown: Pasadena, CA
  • Age: 20

Biography

Highlights of Young Scholar Experience: A girl who was brought up in the tougher parts of Los Angeles, being a Young Scholar allowed Sharon the opportunity to showcase her intelligence and determination at one of the top preparatory schools in America, Phillips Exeter Academy in New England. The distance from her home on Wilshire Boulevard to her dormitory room in New England is about 3,000 miles as the crow flies. But really, the distance is light years in terms of the two cultures. As far as advantages of the program, Sharon received specialized tutoring in music, the arts and “most importantly, a connection with a nationwide community of Young Scholars.”

Profile: Sharon’s memories of the inner-city school she attended are not pleasant, especially sixth grade when many of the young men in her class began carrying knives and had already started earning their stripes with local gangs. She vividly recalls a “shootout” in the school’s parking lot, and at that very early age Sharon realized she had to find a way out “to have a better life.” She threw herself into her studies, began babysitting to earn extra money, jumped at the opportunity to join positive activities offered through the local parks and recreation department, and she began to excel in school. She said she needed an environment to fulfill her potential and she found that through the Young Scholars program which enabled her to attend Phillips Exeter Academy on the East Coast. 

Inspiration: Sharon’s European history teacher, Leah Marie Merrill, inspired her to study international relations in college. 

Aspiration: A career in international law is something Sharon would find appealing, but she is also an accomplished pianist so, perhaps, a career in music might be on the horizon too. “Music is the one place that feels like home,” she said. “Playing the piano gives me a space to release my feelings.”

Making a Difference: Sharon’s a regular at a local food pantry that provides meals for the less fortunate.   She also knits hats for the homeless through a program she joined. In addition, she is the secretary of Amnesty International at her school.

Accolades: Sharon is a National Merit Scholarship Finalist and was also honored by the National Society of High School Scholars, as well as receiving the AP Honor Award. In addition she was recognized at the New England Debate Society in a competition in 2007. 

Interesting fact: As a native of Los Angeles, it’s no surprise that Sharon enjoys writing screenplays. “During my leisure time, most of my thinking is occupied with new plots, character development and exciting dialogue.” She’s been writing screenplays as long as she can remember and hopes someday one of her plots will find its way to the silver screen.

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