After ten years of learning the complex language of piano, and channeling a sense of competition into swimming, senior Simon Gong has learned to value what others today are quick to disregard: perseverance over convenience.

For Gong, those ten years were more than simply striking notes or swimming laps. Gong has exhibited a unique dedication to their pursuits, and continues to benefit from the hard work they have put in.

“It’s not easy to do something for that long. Most people lose interest, and give up,” said Gong. “I learned if you push through, it’s pretty rewarding, because once you spend your time and effort into [something], you’ll get the results you get.”

Seeing that they were ranked out of the top ten during their sophomore year, Gong realized the need to ramp up their class rigor, challenging themselves to work and move up the ranking.

“If you want to do well in school, you have to set a goal and work towards it, no matter how hard it is,” said Gong. “It’s pretty grueling work, but once you get the results, it’s going to be all worth it.

As Gong’s workload increased in severity, their tenacious character grew with it. In a generation of burnt out students always looking for comfort, Gong took their hobbies a step further, making a significant mark at OHS.

Several people pushed Gong outside their academic comfort zone, though one stands out as their greatest inspiration: a classmate, close friend, and another recipient of the Top Ten recognition, John Barsoum shared a similar drive that motivated Gong to always strive for the best.

“It wasn’t a competitive thing,” said senior John Barsoum. “It was more us pushing [each other] to succeed in a way like ‘I’m trying to get ahead of you, you’re trying to get ahead of me,’ both trying to build each other up…in good spirits.”

Outside the classroom, Gong is a starter and driver on the varsity water polo team. The team depends on them for fast breaks and swimming speed. During the regional finals, Gong scored the goal that led the team to victory.

“His senior year, he has been absolutely instrumental,” said Coach Mary Allen. “The team feels when he is not in the water. He’s such a smart and intuitive player, who has come leaps and bounds in such a short time.”

Up until their junior year, Gong flew mainly under the radar. 

Afterwards, “he started showing a high level of game awareness and understanding,” said Allen. “That’s when I began noticing his improvement, and he quickly became a key part of the game, earning a starting spot. 

Through four years of hard work at Oviedo, Gong discovered a potential that’s left them on the path to success as a future UF Gator. Looking to the future, Gong’s exposure to a hospital environment by volunteering for Advent Health has them set to succeed in medical school.

Aside from varsity sports and piano, Gong’s past few years were purposefully spent overseeing the chess club, achieving the BACE certification, volunteering through AYLUS Orlando and at AdventHealth. Everything provides them the valuable experience to reach their ultimate goal of going into the medical field. 

Setting a goal is something Gong implores every student to do, and they provide valuable insight into what one earns for a similar path of accomplishment.

“It was important to have a goal, otherwise, why go to school?” Gong said, reflecting on their four years. “Giving you a goal gives you more meaning to work hard and motivation that can fuel you towards success.”