One earbud in, turned around in his seat, laughing as he joined in conversation with his classmates around him.

Junior Sam Pham is a transfer student from River City Science Academy Middle-High.

This school is a lot smaller than Kenny and there are some benefits, like no one is a stranger.

“Class of 27 was maybe 90 kids,” Pham said. “Everybody knows each other, it’s kinda a nice thing.”

One thing Pham misses the most is hanging out with his friends, and not having different lunch schedules. Because of the small classes, sophomores through seniors all had lunch together.

“I used to play volleyball all the time at lunch with my friends,” Pham said.

At Kenny, the student body is much larger, but Pham has been enjoying meeting new people as well.

“This school really has good school spirit, and it’s really nice,” Pham said.

Pham’s courses are not that different from his old school, and he is continuing the AP Capstone diploma.

Although previously taking Spanish, Pham chose to enroll in German, and has been enjoying it. He says this class will give him a baseline for the future.

“I like Germany,” Pham said. “I’m going to visit over the summer with my uncle and my cousin.”

Additionally, he has been participating in the Book Club and the Forensics team.

Pham has done debate since eighth grade.

“Everybody you meet in debate is filled with energy and are very passionate about it,” Pham said.

One of the reasons for his transfer was the lack of sports at his old school. Although not intending to be competitive, Pham wished for an opportunity to participate in those programs. At his old school, however, there were limited opportunities.

By following his mother’s advice, Pham has started running for the cross country team.

As it must be for any beginner, he did not enjoy it at first.

“There comes a point when you start running a certain amount of distance, and it just feels really nice,” Pham said.

He is enjoying being part of the team, he says, and looks forward to possibly doing Track and Field during the spring, especially to run the 400-meter events.

Even though his journey at Kenny is shorter than most, Pham hopes to be remembered as, “Someone who is a really positive person and tries their best at everything.”

He is looking forward to experiencing more events at Kenny, like volleyball matches and football games.

His advice to other transfer students is simple, but effective.

“Get out there more,” Pham said. “It’s not that hard to go and talk to someone.”