Andrew Lai is a rising senior at Boston Latin School. He was born in Brighton, MA, where he has spent all of his life.
At Boston Latin School, Andrew Lai is a member of the BLS chapter of DECA, the Treasurer of the Junior Classical League, and the co-president of the Asian Students Association. Additionally, Andrew founded a non-profit to help underprivileged students learn chess. Just as he once learned at his elementary school, he hopes to inspire a new generation of students and turn them away from excessive video games by helping them learn the technical skills chess teaches.
Last summer, Andrew interned at Harvard University, spending time with several departments. He spent the most time with the Harvard University Police Department, where he learned several valuable lessons. Through talking to many police officers, some of whom finished college, and others who dropped out to take care of family, he learned what is actually important. He learned that it isn’t necessarily the college you attend, or even finishing college; it is understanding why you are where you are and enjoying the experience. He hopes to find his purpose further and explore the judicial system in the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.