With college approaching, high school students are encouraged to ‘get involved’ in the community: in other words, volunteering time to make oneself more attractive to prospective colleges. For sophomore Mahnoor Malik, this is not a problem. She takes four honors classes and serves as Vice President of Community Outreach at West (COW) as well as other out-of-school organizations.

“I push myself to do so much so that I can challenge myself and get the most out of high school. I want to be prepared for college, and this is the best way I know how to do that,” Malik said.

Malik is enrolled in all honors classes except for math, and she doubled up on science courses. She also takes what is said to be the hardest course in the school: +AP World History.

“I like honors classes because they’re tough, and they challenge me. I would recommend them to other kids because they motivate everybody to do their best. However, you can’t slack off because it’s such hard work,” Malik said.

Being an officer in COW, Malik takes on responsibility daily. Malik also volunteers with St. Anthony’s Hospital in the summers and at the Early Childhood Center as well as Crisis Nursery.

“I volunteer all summer because I want to be a doctor when I grow up. And I love kids, so that’s why I volunteer at places like Crisis Nursery. I’ve banked over 100 service hours by doing all this,” Malik said.

Malik lived in Pakistan for 11 years. She also lived in Florida for over a year before moving to Missouri. This diverse past is what she credits for her passion to help others and push herself to perform.

“Growing up in a different country, I have a different perspective on the world than most people. I’ve been exposed to a totally different culture and people group, and I think I’m lucky because it was a unique opportunity to grow and learn who I am,” Malik said.