When Ian Lee '25 first arrived at Detroit Catholic Central High School as a freshman, he was quiet and unsure of where he belonged.

Four years later, he graduated as a confident leader and a well-rounded scholar—accomplished in music, research, and student leadership. He’s also the founder of student initiatives and is now headed to Johns Hopkins University.

We recently caught up with Ian to reflect on his experience at CC. He shared how the school helped shape him, offered his top tips for balancing a busy schedule, and gave advice on making the most of the CC experience.

Q: You mentioned that CC helped you grow from a shy freshman into a confident leader. Can you recall a specific moment or turning point where you realized you had changed?

Ian: It's hard to pinpoint a single moment, but if I had to choose, the turning point for me came at the beginning of my junior year. At the time, I was interested in pursuing a career in architecture. However, I quickly realized that our school didn’t have an architecture club. This left me, along with many others, without a way to explore that interest. Rather than waiting for an opportunity to appear, I decided to create one myself. 

Starting a club from scratch was intimidating. I had to get the idea approved by the administration, find a room and a moderator, and most importantly, convince people to join. I was nervous at first, unsure if the club would gain traction but during the club fair, around 80 students signed up. 

Later on, I was even able to affiliate the club with a national organization, the American Institute of Architecture Students, putting Detroit Catholic Central High School among 200 other colleges and universities in the nation. That's when I realized, tasks that require you to step up seem a lot more difficult than they actually are, while the reality is often far less daunting than it seems. Once you take that step, you'd be surprised at what you're capable of.

Q: How did balancing so many commitments—academic, extracurricular, and personal—shape your time management and perspective?

Ian: What I’ve learned is that if something truly matters to you, there’s no such thing as “I’m too busy” or “I don’t have time.” When you genuinely care about something, you make the time for it. I pushed myself to minimize procrastination and cut down my time spent idle.

Some days were packed from start to finish. I’d go from an after-school club meeting straight to an Esports match, then to an hour-long call with my Yale professor about my architecture research, followed by a hockey game an hour away, and then still have to study for three tests. I didn't stop studying when it was time to sleep. The time to sleep was when I was confident in my ability to get my 3 A's the next day. 

The key to accomplishing so many things is effective time management, which is something I'll carry on and continue to develop through the course of my life. What I've come to understand is that sacrifice is inevitable when you're chasing something meaningful. But once you reach your goal, you realize it was all worth it.

Q: What advice would you give to a new student at CC who feels overwhelmed by all the opportunities?

Ian: You first have to understand you're extremely lucky to go to a fine institution like CC so make the most of it. You get in what you put out. Look into the sports and music here. I highly recommend playing either a sport or joining the band or orchestra. If you do both that's even better, but try not to do neither. If you can, try to sign up for every club you find even mildly interesting and then narrow your selections from there. Go to a couple meetings and see how you like it. If it's not for you, explore something else. 

During your freshman year, find your footing and see where you fit. Don't immediately rule an opportunity out because of your preconceived notions. Be open to everything. Once you find the few things you really like, go all in. Of course, there will be a couple things you're doing just for the fun of it on a more casual level, but for the things you really find meaningful, make the most of it and try your absolute hardest.

Q: How has your experience with organizations like the AMPS and Sigma Xi influenced your goals for the future?

Ian: Being selected as an AMPS reviewer gave me valuable experience in evaluating architectural research and thinking critically. Getting inducted into Sigma Xi as a high school student, based solely on my research, was a rare honor. These experiences have been encouraging first steps toward pursuing research more seriously in college. They’ve boosted my confidence and motivated me to grow as a researcher.

Q: As a founder and president of CC’s American Institute of Architecture Students chapter, what were you most proud of achieving with your team?

Ian: My fellow club leaders and I are most proud of being able to offer CC students the opportunity to explore the field of architecture, both in college and beyond, so they can make informed decisions about their future. 

We’ve organized field trips to nearby American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) chapters, including a visit to Lawrence Tech’s College of Architecture and Design. There, students had the chance to speak directly with the Dean of Architecture and connect with current LTU AIAS members. Students were also able to see all sorts of projects current architecture students were working on. 

We also gave students the opportunity to tour an active construction site through a partnership with Healy Homes. During the visit, each student received floor plans and pictures of the very houses they were standing in, allowing them to see how architectural designs translate into physical structures. Since the homes were mid-construction, students got a rare look at the inner workings—framing, insulation, utilities—and were encouraged to ask questions about everything from design decisions to structural engineering. It was an eye-opening experience that brought school learning to the real world and deepened students' understanding of the architectural process. Both of these experiences gave our members real, firsthand insights into what studying and pursuing a career in architecture is really like.

Q: You’ve done incredible work both locally and internationally. Can you share a project that particularly impacted you?

Ian: One of the most meaningful projects I led was organizing a human rights forum titled “Beyond the Border,” which focused on the experiences of North Korean defectors. I worked closely with an NGO team in South Korea and successfully secured $23,000 in funding from the Korean Ministry of Unification. This allowed us to bring a defector and the NGO team to the U.S., host in-person panels, and produce educational materials like brochures and comic pages for students.

The forum took place across three venues—Detroit Catholic Central, Oak Pointe Church, and Oakland University—and included live participation from the U.S. Department of State. I coordinated media coverage, invited panelists like Julie Turner, the U.S. Special Envoy on North Korean Human Rights, and even served as host and moderator. The entire experience—from grant writing to script planning, promotion, and travel coordination—taught me what it means to lead with purpose and compassion.

Q: What legacy or impact do you hope you’ve left behind at Catholic Central?

Ian: I hope to have inspired people to always reach higher for their goals and to not just be content with where they are at.

Q: Competing in Varsity Esports and Speed Cubing are very different disciplines. What drew you to both, and what have they taught you about strategy or focus?

Ian: The common denominator between speed cubing and Esports is the ability to make split-second decisions under pressure. The most valuable lesson both have taught me is how to maintain composure and stay confident in high-pressure situations. Solving a Rubik’s Cube takes around 9 seconds, and just one moment of hesitation can derail the entire solve as every turn builds on the last. In Esports, especially during a tense overtime match, a single misclick or a lapse in communication can lead to a loss. Pressure and nerves shouldn't be something you try to avoid but rather something you embrace.

Q: You’ve also been recognized for your cello playing and artwork. How do music and art fit into your life now, and how do they balance your academic interests?

Ian: Music and art are my ways to relax and recharge. Playing the cello lets me express myself and unwind after a busy day as it’s not about being perfect, but about enjoying the moment. Drawing and creating art help me think creatively without pressure, giving my mind a break from structured tasks. They keep me balanced and remind me to enjoy the process and not just the outcome.

Q: Why did you choose Johns Hopkins and public health as your path forward?

Ian: Throughout high school, I’ve explored a wide range of interests including architecture, art, international relations, political science, and biomedical engineering. But as college approaches, I’ve made the decision to pursue a career in medicine and healthcare, which is why I’ve chosen to major in public health on the pre-med track. 

My reasons for choosing this path are deeply rooted in my faith. Just as Jesus healed others, I want to dedicate my life to helping others in the same spirit. I truly believe that restoring the gift of health to another person is one of the most honorable things someone can do. Not only that, but it's also one of the best ways for me to use the gifts that God has given me. With Johns Hopkins’ reputation as a global leader in medicine and its strong emphasis on research and innovation, it was the clear choice for me. As an aspiring physician, I can’t imagine a better place to achieve my goals.

Q: What are you most looking forward to in college—both academically and personally?

Ian: Academically, I’m focused on becoming a knowledgeable and skilled physician. Personally, I want to grow closer to God. I plan to join Christian groups and continue to pray and read the Bible every night. I also want to keep in touch with my friends from high school, especially because I know many of them will last for a lifetime. However, I do want to meet many different people in college and form new friendships. 

Furthermore, I want to keep playing cello and guitar, maybe learn to sing, keep playing hockey and continue competing in Rubik’s Cube competitions. Living outside Michigan for the first time, I look forward to meeting new friends from across the U.S. and the world, broadening my horizons and growing as a person.