Marissa Li

I’m a senior at Naperville North currently involved in Chess Team, Science Bowl, Science Olympiad, Math Team(only for the fall), and Environmental Club.

I’ve represented the United States on an international stage for both chess and earth science. I went to Greece and Uruguay for the World Youth Chess Championships, South Korea for the International Earth Science Olympiad. These twin passions have shaped the majority of my high school experience.

US Team at IESO in Korea. I was so grateful to have the opportunity to make friends with people from all over the world.

In my free time, I follow politics and the economy. In my free, free time I enjoy critically acclaimed movies and books. Music, also, fills a big part of my life. A look through my Spotify playlists will reveal how I’ve evolved over time. Unfortunately, I don’t have much time for any of these because of college apps.

Legendary performance in The Dark Knight

First Movie to encapsulate my imagination with a fascinating illustration of a black hole

Who am I as a person?

If you just have me in class then I might be a quiet, normal person. If you really knew me though, you’d know some of my hidden quirks. Some things I will freak out over.

Things you know I like

Rocks & Minerals (fav mineral is azurite) Galaxies (fav galaxy is the Antennae Galaxy) Chess (fav player is Bobby Fischer)

Both are opals. Left: Sunset Fire Opal. Right: Luz Opal With Galaxy Inside

Surprising things I like

Here are some hidden niche topics I’ve dabbled in.

Game of Thrones, Poker, Videogames (League of Legends), Puzzles, Stock Market

Flamingo (Shrimp Song) *to any girls cross country folks you’re welcome

Misconceptions You May Have About Me

I only play chess

Chess definitely is a big part of my life but I don’t spend all my time on it. Not at all.

I only like STEM topics

Yes, it’s true that I’m going to graduate with 7 science credits, took 3 science classes in one year, and involve myself in only science extracurriculars. Yet, my favorite classes for the past few years have consisted of humanities courses from English to History.

I’m all about school

This one may be the most pernicious of them all. For high schoolers, school = no fun and when Marissa = school, Marissa = no fun. I am academically driven and constantly stressed so, at school, it’s difficult to see my carefree side. In reality, I’m always down for some fun.

What is this Blog About?

Reflecting as a Senior

Debunking Science Myths

Politics for Highschoolers