National Merit Semifinalist and Calculus Fiend Jacob Lee
Jacob Lee poses for the camera before Winter Formal. Lee was recently announced as one of the 15 National Merit Semifinalist.
December 11, 2018
In this week’s National Merit Spotlight, we shine a light on Senior Jacob Lee. Hailing from Greene county, Lee came to MSMS to further his education, especially in mathematics, and for more opportunities in community service and outreach.
When Lee’s not blazing through Calculus homework, you can find him tutoring his peers in Calculus or grabbing his favorite espresso beverage from Coffeehouse on 5th. He also likes to cook, read and take hikes.
Lee is a member of Senate, Wags and Whiskers, S.E.A.L., Young Democrats, Mu Alpha Theta and Beta Club.
Lee is active in the MSMS community, but he says his favorite thing about the school is how students can tailor the MSMS experience to their individual needs.
My favorite thing about the school is the community and availability to pace oneself. You can move at your own pace and I really like that a lot.
— Jacob Lee
Like most of the scholars, Lee did not do a strict preparation for the PSAT.
“The day before I took a practice test to see how I would do, but I didn’t do anything like Khan Academy or any other types of studying that others did.”
After MSMS, he plans on going to either University of Chicago or MSU.
“UChicago is my dream school, and if I don’t go there for undergrad I want to go there for grad school.”
Lee plans on majoring in mathematics in undergrad and pursuing a doctorate in Mathematics in graduate school.
“Being a teacher and doing research in math is my dream job. As it stands, I will never work for the government. The main I don’t want to work with the government is because I disagree with it on a fundamental level.”
Although he holds a strong interest in STEM, he loves politics and philosophy. Lee holds strong socialist ideals.
“I think a government’s goal should be to facilitate an environment to promotes the utmost happiness and quality of life of the people. This starts with having equal and fair opportunities which the current government does not provide.”
Dr. Philip Benge has taught Jacob Calculus I and is currently teaching him Calculus II. Benge speaks highly of Lee as he has seen his ability inside and outside of the classroom.
“Jacob has been a strong student, and it has certainly been a pleasure to work with him both in and out of the classroom the last year.”
Lee’s peers also speak very highly of him.
“I have never been more impressed by his ability to teach me calculus in 10 minutes, or his skill at being able to consume a large chicken-bacon-ranch pizza in 3 minutes,” said suite mate Taylor Shamblin.
“Jacob is an awesome friend and roommate. He’s always willing to listen and give his advice on any problems that anyone has. He’s also probably one of the smartest people I’ve ever met,” added roommate Jack Shelton.
Lee has a final bit of advice for the juniors who will get their scores back in a couple of days.
“If you didn’t perform as well as you had wished, it will be alright. Standardized testing is not the end all be all and does not adequately ones potential and capabilities.”
