Spotlight on Christopher Comley: Wants to serve in Air Force

The Olympian • Published November 22, 2008

Comments (0)

•Age: 17

•Grade: 12

•School: Tumwater High School

•Hometown: Olympia

•Parents: Lucy and William Comley

•Best personal achievement: Getting an 800 on the world history SAT II.

•How I spend my time: Running cross country, studying incessantly, and enjoying ice cream and Jamba Juice with friends

•Favorite subjects: World history and French, because of their practical applications to international politics

•Favorite movie: "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," which is reminiscent of my mom's embarrassing, yet loving, family

•Favorite book: Either "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder, the inspirational story of Dr. Paul Farmer, or "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert, a profound reflection on finding balance in one's life

•Dream job: To work internationally at a nongovernmental organization for poverty elimination

•Someone I respect: Dr. Paul Farmer, for his determination to help those most in need, defiance of conventional wisdom and compassionate intelligence.

•College I'd like to attend: My dream is to attend the University of Pennsylvania to study economics, international relations and French.

•Someone famous I'd like to meet: Jeffrey Sachs, the man who introduced the human element into economics.

•Someday, looking back on my life I'd like to be able to say: I positively affected other people, either by telling jokes, helping with schoolwork or taking interest in them.

•Biggest challenge facing teenagers today: Balancing academics, sports, community involvement, family, friends and God.

•One thing in the world I would change if I could: Have everyone experience the turkey bacon swiss sandwich from the Country Cousin restaurant in Centralia.

•Where do you see yourself in 10 years: In 10 years, I will work overseas, having graduated from college and spent time in the Air Force.

•Staff comment: "Chris is an outstanding student. He is diligent, focused and constantly pushes himself to get the most out of the high school experience. His contributions serve to make each class better for all." —Nick Greenwell, history teacher, Tumwater High School.