Editor’s Note: This is the tenth in a series of 18 stories about this semester’s Principal’s Recognition Award winners who were recognized on Wednesday, April 20 for outstanding achievement in specific programs. Senior Aimen Lateef received the Science Award and was nominated by Ms. JulieAnn Villa.
Imagine moving around a lot before entering high school and not being able to join science activities even though science is something you’re interested in. Imagine finally coming into high school and being able to join those classes and activities and then during your senior year, winning an award for science. That’s what happened to senior Aimen Lateef.
Since Lateef moved around a lot she was never able to participate in science activities, but on Wednesday, April 20, Lateef was honored with the science award, nominated by Ms. Julieann Villa.
“I don’t think I was ever particularly good at science. I used to move a lot before high school, so I never got to participate in many science activities or classes. In high school I was put in honors bio and followed through with the honors/AP science class track from there on. Also, I did SIRS for 2 years. I enjoy it very much; science, in general, allows me to observe, question, and experiment to better understand the world around me. Research, specifically, is a fascinating field to me and I had to struggle in it tremendously. However, I was able to learn an expansive amount through my time in SIRS,” she said.
Due to not being able to join activities early on, Lateef feels as though she was put at a bit of a disadvantage.
“Of course, exposure to science — or any subject — serves as an advantage. Just being familiar with certain methods and concepts of a subject help in being successful in my opinion. So, yes, I do think I was at a bit of a disadvantage, but I’m glad I had opportunities and guidance in high school which allowed me to challenge myself at the level of some other students,” she said.
Currently in AP Bio and AP Physics, Lateef became interested in science through visiting various hospitals.
“I became interested in science when I was an infant and frequently visited different hospitals. I went to multiple different hospitals and doctors because I needed many surgeries when I was a baby,” she said.
Lateef was awarded this because of her contributions as a scientists.
“Aimen Lateef is an outstanding young scientist. Words that come to mind to describe her are- intelligent, curious, diligent, persistent, and analytical. She is one of the top students in chemistry and biology at Niles West and has also taken 2 years of science research. This past summer she was awarded the highly selective ACS Project SEED summer internship at Loyola University and last year she earned top honors representing Niles West at the IJAS State Science Fair,” Villa said.
Lateef has demonstrated hardwork and perseverance when it comes to whatever task she is presented with.
“Outside of the realm of science, to know the person behind the lab goggles, is to be inspired by Aimen. She is a brave and tenacious young woman. Someone who embodies the notion of “finding a way” to reach a goal, even when it at times seems impossible. She has demonstrated a personal integrity and tenacity in the face of adversity that is rarely seen in someone so young. For the past four years of high school, Aimen has grown, stretched, and reached for every goal she hoped to accomplish and she has humbly found a way to keep herself moving forward,” Villa said.
When she found out about the nomination, Lateef was surprised and humbled.
“I was surprised and appreciated the nomination. I really didn’t think I had done anything special in the science department, however, Ms. Villa’s kind recommendation and speech at the breakfast made me feel that even small achievements are of value,” she said.
Previous Installment in the series:
Elisabeth Deike – https://www.nileswestnews.org/features/principals-recognition-award-elisabeth-deike/
