The Scorekeeper: Trent Nelson '12

Hilary DubinStaff WriterFor most students, a perfect 36 on the ACT is an unattainable goal, even with countless hours of studying. Trent Nelson, currently a senior at Samo, achieved this perfect score with no tutor and only three practice tests in total.“I don’t really believe in [having a tutor]. I just thought the book would be good to do by yourself; I don’t believe in hiring people to do that for you,” Nelson said.However, he did not achieve this score on mere intellegence alone. Nelson said that from a young age his family motivated him to do well in school, and that has translated to a personal desire to succeed.“I usually do more than I need to in school, because I really want to do well,” Nelson said. “I usually don’t like to go into a final with lower than a 98 percent. I like to feel safe with my grade.”This goal is especially difficult to achieve because of Nelson’s rigourous class schedule. Nelson is currently taking four AP classes—Physics C, Economics, Psychology and Calculus BC—and took AP Chemistry and AP English last year in addition to U.S. History at SMC over the summer. Nelson, who is a Valedictorian Candidate, also spends his free time tutoring other students.“I like helping other people out if I can,” Nelson said.Although Nelson’s grades are something to be proud of, he conceeds that grades can be misleading. Instead, he prides himself on the work he puts in to get those grades.“Grades don’t always reflect someone’s work, and they can be a misrepresentation of what someone is capable of,” Nelson said.Nelson also said that his desire to succeed paired with his natural academic ability has limited the roadblocks in his academic life thus far.“I haven’t had any academic struggles because I’ve been working hard since my middle school years, so I’ve always made sure to stay on top of things,” Nelson said.He believes that it is his desire to understand and to make a difference is what sets him apart.“My motivation is knowing that I will one day be able to make an impact on the world,” Nelson said.hdubin@thesamohi.com