In this edition of Life after Lincoln-Way, I interviewed Lincoln-Way Central alum, Chris Chopp. Chris graduated from Lincoln-Way Central in 2014. He was involved in various activities including Lacrosse, Jazz Band, and Chess Club, and outside of school he played hockey. Chris graduated in the top 15 of his class with multiple distinction awards.
Who was the most influential teacher you had at Lincoln-Way Central and why?
“I enjoyed class with Mr. Hopper and Mr. Finnegan so much that I nearly pursued Social Studies in college. They managed to make learning significantly more interesting than I thought possible, and treated the class in a way that made me feel valued and respected (which says a lot, as I’m sure we often didn’t deserve it). Somehow, they made me want to learn more about history and politics, which I didn’t think was possible before meeting them.”
What was the best thing you learned at Lincoln-Way Central that has benefited you in life after high school?
“As corny as it sounds, there was a teacher- I think it was Mr. Davidson- who would sign off the daily announcements by saying “Make it a great day or not; the choice is yours.” At the time I didn’t think much of it, but as I get older, I’ve started to see the truth in what he said. We can’t always control what happens around us, and we can’t always be happy, but a positive outlook can make a significant difference.”
Where did you go to college and what did you major in? What and where is your current job?
“I went to University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign to study computer engineering. Currently, I work at NVIDIA as a Software Engineer.”
What is the biggest change between high school and college?
“If you go away for college, you’ll have way more freedom than you had in high school. It’s a double-edged sword though; the only person keeping you responsible is yourself. You need to be the one making sure you attend your classes, eat vegetables, exercise, study for exams, etc.”
What tips do you have for graduating seniors?
“As much as I hate to say it, the advice I have is probably the same advice that people always give: Things will work out for you! I know it’s all overwhelming and stressful, but regardless of where you end up, things will be okay. Don’t be so stuck in the mindset that you need to stick to some rigid future you laid out for yourself when you’re still so young. Also, please try to have some (responsible amount of) fun. I don’t think anyone should peak in college, but responsibilities continue to increase as you get older. Take some time and make sure you do things you enjoy occasionally so you don’t burn out.”
What has been your biggest accomplishment since graduating from Lincoln-Way Central?
“I moved all the way across the country after graduating for work, and I’m proud that I’ve been able to settle in and be successful here. I’ve made some great friends that have pushed me to experience so many new things that I wouldn’t have been able to do if I stayed in Illinois and never met them.”
