University High: Articulate, engaging student shines

Neanne Tagalag has made important strides since arriving from the Philippines a year ago.

So much so that the staff and counselors at University High School nominated the bright, articulate senior for most-notable student.

Tagalag blushed when she heard she had been selected for this recognition. “I can’t believe it,” she said.

Tagalag possesses quiet determination evident in her willingness to share her thoughts but not overpower a conversation.

For instance, she calmly but assertively says American students don’t realize how fortunate they are.

“I think they should appreciate the education they get here. It’s free here, so they probably take it for granted sometimes. They should appreciate it more,” she said.

Tagalag says the transition from the Philippines to the United States was difficult.

“It was very different. I studied in a private Catholic school, and everything was different when I first came here.

“One thing I realized: Americans are so liberated. I found there were lots of times I’d be shocked,” she continued, referring to the open displays of affection on the school campus. “We never did that, and Philippine grandmas probably would look at them in disgust,” she said with a smile.

Tagalag came from a school where classmates established strong friendships. “Everyone was a family. We were all like sisters,” she said.

Still, she says, she loves U-High and the United States.

“I like it here. The Philippines is where I grew up, but this is a really nice place to be. There’s always something to do,” she said.

But fitting in hasn’t been easy.

“The first day, I was so nervous and I didn’t know who to talk to. Thankfully, I saw some foreign people,” she said. “The students are friendly, but usually they talk only to their own group of people.”

Despite the obstacles that every new kid in school faces, Tagalag decided fear would not overtake her.

“When I got here, I was afraid. So I tried to focus on more important things like preparing for the future. In my old school, my grades were average. But here, I focused on my studies and I have a pretty high GPA. That actually makes you really proud to not be afraid and just go for the more important things,” she said.

Tagalag’s father calls her a jack-of-all-trades.

“I’ve tried everything,” she said. “I play the piano, drums, guitar and other musical instruments. I sing. I like soccer and basketball. I like rock music … the ones with cool guitar riffs. I wish I could play them.”

Tagalag plans to attend Eastern Washington University.

“I narrowed it down to engineering or multimedia design. I read about multimedia design on Eastern’s Web site, and I think it would be interesting,” she said.

Tagalag smiled at her mother, who was standing in the background. She walked over and wrapped her arms around her daughter.

“I’m so proud of you,” she said.