Peng's Family
Naomi’s 2015 Newsletter
A full year has already flown by? I guess time does pass fast if you're having fun. This year has definitely gotten more stressful especially since I have officially begun the International Baccalaureate (IB) program at Eastside in 11th grade. I am taking 4 AP (Advanced Placement) and 3 IB classes. On top of that, I still continue to take part in a multitude of extracurricular activities.
Naomi diving at Gator Pool
2nd Place State Forensics Competition!
Love Acadia!
Forensics
I never thought I’d be great at public speaking. But this year I proved myself wrong. In March, the State Forensics competition took place in Orlando. I competed in the declamation category and gave the speech called Find Something Worth Fighting For by Martin Sheen. Sheen wrote this speech to give in front of thousands of young people at We Day 2010 to motivate them and reflect necessary actions and attitudes to bring change in our world. After the first night of competition, I knew I had to be on my game next morning and give it my best. However, I wasn’t stressing about it too much because I was mainly there to have fun. After we had finished the final round all there was left to do was wait. Finally, awards started and the suspense grew. They started with 8th place and went up. By 3rd place, my name was still not called and I began to lose hope. However, I was wrong. Not only did I qualify to nationals but I also placed second in the state!
Naomi placed 2nd place at State Forensics!
My sweet Forensics partner --Emily!
Nationals took place in the end of May after all the AP exams were over. However, I was slightly bummed out because Nationals is usually out of state. In 2014 they were held in Chicago but this year it was held in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida--only 4 hours south of Gainesville. But it was still a great experience. There were over 2,000 competitors and the environment it created was truly amazing. The hotels were crowded with high schoolers and we competed on Nova Southeastern University’s campus. Although I did not win anything at nationals, I was still able to watch quarterfinals and Semi-finals which were both spectacular. This year I still do forensics but I switched my category from declamation to duo interpretation. In this category, it is no longer giving speeches. My partner and I act out a literary piece in a 10-minute time frame but we are not allowed to use props, make eye contact with the partner, or touch the partner. Emily is my partner and the piece we decided to do is called The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime. I look forward to competing with her and our goal for this year is Nationals. I’ve become more confident as a speaker thanks to my wonderful coach Ms. Christian.
Violin
I continue to play the violin with Ms. Kim Chalmers as well as take part in the Alachua County Youth Orchestra. In the spring I played Adoration by Felix Borowski for the solo recital. I also had the ACYO spring concert. In the winter, I had both the ACYO Stop children's cancer concert and the group recital. I enjoy being a part of both violin groups!
Winter violin recital
Playing at Stop Children's Cancer Concert
With Mom After Spring violin recital
Sports
This year I really shifted my focus onto diving. Right before school started we had a coach change. David Springfels, the coach I had last season, got an opportunity from the United Nations to go to Austria for a year and conduct research for nuclear engineering. The new coach we now have is Darby Schultz. She is the wife of the current UF diving head coach. Due to the shift in coaches, there were some adjustments made. However, I still got 1st place at Districts and Regionals. I am also happy to say that I medaled at state and got 7th place. Florida is an especially hard state and there are many super talented people I competed against. The competition was very close as I was only 10 points away from 4th place. I definitely want to do better at state next year but I was satisfied this year.
Regionals Champion!
Districts Champion!
State Diving Championships
In addition, I also ran cross country this year since my knee injury no longer bothered me while running. I didn't run quite as fast as freshman year but that is understandable since I was out all last year. The environment the team creates at meets and at practices truly defines teamwork as they never fail to support and cheer on each other. Coach Cueneo and the captains are amazing and I’m so thankful to be a part of such an awesome team.
Keep leading!
Whole family cheer at pre-season meet
Finish Strong!
Diving Camps – Ripfest & Gator Diving
Believe in yourself. Be confident. That is the most important mental skill but also the most difficult one. That is just one of the many things I learned at Ripfest. This is a dive camp I went to over the summer in Indiana but different from the one from last year. I stayed there for 2 weeks and it was one of the greatest experiences I have ever had. Every day we had a total of 6 hours of work out. 3 hours were spent at dryland and 3 hours at the pool. Dryland allows you to work on fundamental skills and techniques, piece by piece so it becomes easier to perform the skill in the water. In the dryland facility, there were 6 dry boards and 6 trampolines and a spring floor area. 2 of the trampolines were used for belts. Belts are used to practice harder skills with more twists and flips to gain a better air awareness. At the pool, I learned a lot of new dives and also improved my technique on basic dives.
Twisting in the air
Beautiful diving platforms
at Forest Park!
Twisting in the belt
Besides diving, we also had lectures given in the night by different famous people. The 1st night Hobie Billingsley gave a lecture. Hobie coached at Indiana University and during his time he took athletes to 5 Olympic Games and won 132 national titles. He was also the founder of the Indiana Diving program. During his lecture we got to hear him speak about the foundations of diving and about the sport itself. Another speaker was Sarah Hildenbrand. She was a 2 time olympian in 2000 and 2004. She told her life story of how she was a gymnast then a diver then an olympian. She gave tips on how to get over mental blocks and hard times. She told us that dreams do come true and to never give up. We also got a talk from Dr. Rob Bell who is the author of The Hinge:: The Importance of Mental Toughness. We learned key ideas like mental toughness connects who we are to who we become and the second most important mental skill but also the second hardest is letting things go. Mistakes happen but you can't let them get to your head because if they do then you will not do as well. However, the most helpful information came from John Wingfield, the head coach of the 2008 USA olympic diving team and the head coach of Indiana Diving Academy. He is probably one of the most knowledgeable people of diving in the world. He discussed the physics behind diving and analyzed videos of the national champion. He truly answered and explained the “Why’s” and “How’s” of diving. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to learn from such influential people in the world of diving.
Camp is also great because it is where I've gotten to meet some of my closest friends. We bond over the sport we love and only divers can truly understand each other. We push each other to our limits and we laugh and cry together. Although we live in different states or countries, we still keep in touch with each other.
By going to Ripfest, I was able to reach my limits and do things I would never have imagined me doing before. Camp created an environment full of joy and encouragement from other camp members and coaches. People would smack and bruise but they would get up and try it again. I loved it so much that I convinced my dad (while mom was in China) to let me go back during the winter break.
With coach John!
Diving friends!
With Olympian
Winter Ripfest was very similar to Summer Ripfest except we dove indoors instead of outdoor with fewer divers. During winter camp I mainly learned a lot of 3 meter dives. I was especially excited to go back to camp and see some of my close friends that I met over the summer. When I first arrived I was actually a little nervous because prior to camp I hadn't dove in 2 months so I knew I was going to be a little rusty and especially sore, but this didn't stop me. The second day Kate did a back 2 and a half on 3 meter. Then Amy got up and did it. I had been wanting to do this dive for a while and seeing all my friends do it gave me more motivation. I started prepping for the dive and doing lead ups on 1 meter. Finally, I did it. The shortly after, Hannah did it too. It was Hannah’s, Amy’s and my first time doing it, and it was Kate’s first time doing it in 6 months. We were all so happy to have accomplished this but it couldn't have happened without the encouragement and support and positive energy we gave each other. This positive energy not only bounced between my group but radiated throughout everyone at winter camp. I am definitely looking forward to going back in the summer.
With coach Schultz
EHS Most Valuable Player Award
Gator Diving Camp
After I came back from IN, I was so excited to find out that Gator head diving coach, Mr. Dale Schultz, was hosting a dive camp at the University of Florida. Even though it was a very short camp, I enjoyed it very much. I really felt Coach Schultz’s strong passion towards diving. His encouragement made me much more passionate for diving, and his teaching style is amazing. I really wish he could coach us more. After Thanksgiving, I’m so happy that Mrs. Schultz is opening a Gator Dive Club and Mr. Schultz is able to coach us every Sunday!!
You can watch my diving video here .
you can also watch my gymnastics video here.
Boston
After Ripfest over the summer, I met up with my family in Boston. I got there just in time to celebrate Independence day. We walked through the Freedom Trail that tells the story of our nation's founding. We visited places like Faneuil hall, the Boston Massacre site, and King’s Chapel and Burying Ground. We ended the day with the fantastic firework show over the Charles River.
Boston Quincy Market
Boston Burying Ground
Boston Faneuil Hall
Boston Harbor Columbus Park
Boston Harbor
Fireworks over Charles River
Since we spent about a week in Boston, we had ample time so I decided to take a look at some colleges close by. I visited Harvard, MIT, and Brown. All 3 schools had beautiful campuses and great tours and info sessions. I was fortunate enough to go to the pool and meet up with the Brown Women's Swim coach. At the time when I went, they were in the process of hiring a new dive coach so I had to meet with the Swim coach instead. He was very kind and showed me around the pool facility. Brown’s new Aquatics Center is fantastic.
Slackline at Harvard
At MIT
Brown’s Aquatics Center
We also visited the Boston Harbor Islands. First we took the ferry to Georges Island then Spectacle Island. Georges Island had an old fort with beautiful gateway arches. Spectacle Island was full of nature and provided a great view of the Boston city. It was less crowded than Georges Island so it was much quieter and more peaceful.
Another day trip we took was to Cape Cod. We went on a cruise and saw lots of whales. After a very nice early lobster dinner, we drove to beach just in time for a very beautiful sunset..
Whales Watch Cruise at Cape Cod
At Georges Island
Cape Cod Beach Sunset
At Spectacle Island
At Spectacle Island
Acadia
After our week in Boston we headed up to Acadia National Park in Maine. Acadia is beautiful and has literally everything in one place--mountains, trees, rocky shores, sandy beaches, lakes, ponds, cliffs, trails, and gorgeous sky and weather. We spent a huge portion of our time there hiking and climbing mountains. One day we went a total of 6.5 miles up and down Cadillac Mountain and reached an elevation of 1,530 feet. On all the hikes we got a spectacular view of the surrounding oceans and land. We were even lucky to find out there were blueberries on the mountains. As we were headed up Cadillac Mountain the 1st day, we saw a couple of ladies on the side of the path picking things. We were very curious so we stopped and asked them what they were picking and we were very surprised when they told us blueberries. From that point on we slowly began noticing more and more blueberry bushes on the paths.
At the top of Cadillac Trail
Acadia Beach
Bubble Pond
The only way up
Picking wild blueberries
Jordan pond is on of my favorite places in Acadia. The water was crystal clear and you could see everything at the bottom. The pond looked very shallow even though it wasn't, and it created perfect reflections too. Since it was in between two mountains, there was very little wind and the water had no ripples. The mountain I had the most fun climbing was the beehive mountain. Although it was only 520 ft tall, it was the steepest route reaching to the top. There were iron rungs on the side of the mountain and some rocks were slippery so you had to be extra careful of your foot placement. This strenuous but also exhilarating climb will be one to remember. Lastly, I loved hanging on the rocky cliffs right off the ocean. The sound of the blowing wind and the waves crashing onto the large rocks was very relaxing. Downtown of Bar Harbor is so lovely, our favorite shop is the Mount Desert Island Ice Cream. I would definitely be interested in coming back to Acadia with the whole family in a couple of years and 10 out of 10 doctors would recommend this.
The gorgeous Jordan Pond
Acadia South Bubble Jorda Pond
Reached to the top of the Penobscot Mountain!!
Acadia Otter Cliff
Acadia's wave!
Acadia Bubble Rock!!
Acadia Sand Beach
Acadia wetland
Island Ice Cream Shop at Bar Harbor
Portland, Maine Lighthouse
New York
I was finally able to go to New York!! I have always wanted to go and every time Lucinda went while she was at Yale I would get very jealous. New York is exactly how I imagined it to be. Magnificent buildings, numerous sparkling skyscrapers, night lights, city noises, taxis and people everywhere. When we first got there we went to Chinatown, which truly reminded me of the streets of China, and had dim sum. After that we strolled through the famous Central Park and then headed to Times Square in the night and did some shopping. The next day was the most eventful. We went to the 9/11 memorial and the Statue of Liberty. I was especially excited in the night because we went to see the broadway show Wicked. But not only that, I also found out my best friend was also in New York and staying at the same hotel as me! It was after the Statue of Liberty and we were taking the subway back to Times Square when I received a snapchat from Emily and it was a picture of a hotel room that looked the exact same as ours. I screamed of joy and immediately called her asking “ARE YOU IN NEW YORK??”. Usually I would have known beforehand but when she asked me in the beginning of the summer when I was going to New York I said mid July and she was said “Darn I’m going late July” so we never looked into the exact dates we were going. I met up with her in our hotel later that night and I was so happy to see her. The next morning we went to the Museum of Natural History before heading off to the airport.
Ready to go out :)
Statue of Liberty
Emily & I staying at the same hotel!!
Midnight at Time Square
New One World Trade Center
Loved the broadway show Wicked!
Skyline of NYC
9/11 Memorial
Museum of Natural History
Palace of Versailles
Shakespeare Garden in Central Park
Leadership - Santa Fe College for Kids Counselor & Link Crew Mentor
After came back from New York, I started the College for Kids summer camp the next day. This was the first time I worked as a counselor with elementary to middle school kids. I taught PE (Physical Education) and music in the summer camp. I worked very hard with small groups and individuals, and made sure everyone had a chance to participate and made the activities more interesting to the kids. By the end of the camp, the kids and I bonded very well and most of them said they would be back next summer if I was a counselor again. It was such a rewarding feeling!
When school started, I was selected as a Link Crew mentor at my high school. As a Link Crew mentor, I am assigned to a group of freshmen and give them guidance and make sure they have smooth transition from middle school to high school. We all know that high school can be intimidating and overwhelming at first, but with the help of Link Crew mentors, we are able to ease them onto the right track to help facilitate freshman success so they can have the best high school experience in their next 4 years. I was also appointed as a captain for the Forensics (speech and debate) team. As a captain, I helped Ms. Chris create the 2015-2016 Forensics tournament schedules, coach and critique my teammates’ speeches, and host several practice parties at my house (thanks to my mom for cooking and providing delicious food).
Friends
In August, I turned 16 and got my drive license! I feel much more independent now that I can drive. I also had a sweet 16 party with a DJ and black lights, and almost all my close friends (close to 50) came. I spent the summer having fun with my friends as well as going to Prom with them in the spring and homecoming in the fall. As always, I cheered for my school’s foot ball games.
EHS Prom
Got my Drive License!
My 16th B Day at Rainforest Cafe
downtown disney
My Sweet 16 D J Party
Ichetucknee River Lake Santa Fe
Water Run with friends
Frisbee with upperclassmen
Frisbee Prom Fundraising
Homecoming
NHS Induction Ceremony
EHS Ram Football Night
Goodbye Party for Urmeen
Joey’s Wings
My family introduced Joey to my violin teacher Kim when his family moved to Gainesville and we had violin group lessons every Wednesday together. Joey was such a sweet boy and learned how to play violin very quickly. Unfortunately, in March of 2013, he was diagnosed with a rare kidney cancer. ACYO (Alachua County Youth Orchestra) conductor Mr. Langford gave him special permission to join ACYO. So I had the chance to get to know Joey through all the violin activities. Joey was a great fighter, and never gave up. He inspires me and many other people every day.
After he passed away, his mom Ms. Kathy established Joey’s Wings Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit charity, in the memory of Joey. When I found out Ms. Kathy was desperately looking for some fundraising ideas, I suggested to her to host a 5k run/walk, and she was so excited for this idea. During Joey’s cancer treatment, Ms. Kathy asked him what he wanted to do first after he recovered. “I just want to run” was his response! So in the beginning of January, we decided March 16th, 2015 would be Joey’s Wings Foundation’s very first fundraising event - a 5k run/walk at Westside Park. Our family decided to fully support Kathy to get ready for the Joey’s 1st Annual Run. Everyone take some tasks, because we only have less than three months to get ready! Since my family and friends all think I have some social skills, so I volunteered to help with fundraising – asking local businesses for donations. However, it’s much easier said than done. I walked to a few local sports stores first and these were often the responses: “we already sponsored another run” or “our business doesn’t make that much money” …. After being rejected by four stores, I almost told Kathy I didn’t want to do it anymore. However, Joey inspired me. He never gave up after all those extensive harsh treatments, fighting till his very last second of life! I had no reason to give up. I needed some good fundraising strategy, looking for the good potential business entities and spend my time wisely. I was so happy with the end results. I raised $1,800 and a lot of raffle tickets from local businesses such as real estate agents, dental offices, accounting firms, restaurants and grocery stores. I felt so rewarding! Please join us for the 2nd Annual Joey’s Run & Food Fest March 5th 2016 8:30 am at Westside Park. If you would like join the run, please register before Feb. 24th at https://runsignup.com/RaceGroups/28147 and choose “Team Lucinda/Naomi”. Even if you are not at Gainesville, you can still run/walk with your small group of your local friends. I will mail the t-shirts to you. We would love to see Joey's Wings fly to more places. If you would like to sponsor the event, please let me know, I’ll send you sponsorship letters for details.
My violin group at Joey's Run
Emma & Markus' 1st 5K Run!
Chating with Jean
& thanks for her company's big donation
Ethan's very 1st 5K Run!
Thanksgiving and Winter Break
Mom made a last minutes decision go to China to celebrate grandpa’s 93rd birthday (grandpa’s birthday is the day after Thanksgiving). Thanksgiving day my mom left early in the morning to China. I was very fortunate to be able to spend Thanksgiving at both Anneliese’s lake house and the Naranjo’s house. Before that we had a fantastic hiking at La Chua Trail, saw tons of gators that really close to us and many other wildlife. After Thanksgiving, my sister left to go back to Yale which meant I was home alone for a couple of days. I actually enjoyed being home alone quite a bit but I was also happy when my dad and mom came home.
Even though I went to Ripfest for a week over break, I still spent time with my family beforehand. On Christmas day, we went to the beach. The crazy warm weather this year even let us go swimming in the ocean. However, there was one different thing about this beach trip than normal. Mr. and Ms. Claus were on the beach as well as two elves carrying surf boards. I was walking towards my mom and sister when I saw a family all dressed up. It made me laugh when I saw this and they asked if I wanted a picture. I decided to go for it since I knew I wouldn't see this many other times on Christmas Day.
Playing with gator!
Meeting with "Elves" on Christmas Day
This past year, I had a lot going on. However, I was able to manage my time well and push through the difficult times. People always say that hard work pays off but this year I was truly able to see that through my own experiences. In addition, I was surprised to see that I, with the help of Mom, can even fix the TV. In the summer, our old SamsungTV took a long time to turn on. Just for the fun of it, Mom and I decided to fix it by ourselves. After some experiments, we actually did it; we replaced three bulged capacitors! I was so happy to be able to do this kind of electric engineering work, something that I never thought I could do.
Girl can do the engineering work!
I hope everyone had a great 2015! Although 2016 will be even more hectic than 2015, I am ready to face the challenges and learn from my past. I also learned that you can achieve more than you can by better time management.
Ready for the challenges in the new year!
Go Xi Fa Cai, 猴年大吉!
Naomi Peng