Our school offers a phenomenal pathway for students interested in law and public policies, opportunities that students can take advantage of through joining our Speech and Debate team, taking the numerous humanities classes San Marino has to offer, and actively participating in our school’s numerous culture-based clubs. No student encapsulates that desire to involve themselves with these opportunities better than Yannie Chau, the president of our school’s Mock Trial team.
Chau has stayed with our school’s mock trial program ever since middle school where she was initially forced to join because of her mom. “My mom was the one who shoehorned me to do mock trial, and I followed along since I had nothing better to do,” Chau said. However, she has stayed strong with the school program, due to her enjoyment with the program’s intensity and the team itself. “Mock trial is definitely intense, competitive, a little chaotic, but also incredibly fun. I’ve learned how to think on my feet and have (hopefully) mastered the art of looking calm while frantically figuring out my next point. But, honestly, one of the best parts has been the teamwork; my teammates have been the absolute best, and I truly believe that it’s the teamwork that makes all the magic happen,” Chau said.
In lieu with teamwork, much of Chau’s work with the team as its president as been centered around promoting it and enhancing their performance. “Honestly, I’d like to think of myself as our team’s curveball. Just when our team thinks they’ve got it all figured out, I like to throw in a question that makes us all think a bit deeper. I love helping our team get ready for anything, even if that means stirring the pot a little. Sure, my questions might cause a few raised eyebrows, but in mock trial, the unexpected is just part of the way the process works: it’s what makes it fun.”
Her favorite memory also aligns with spending time with the team. “I love team dinners. There’s nothing quite like bonding over food after a long day of courtroom battles. It’s where inside jokes are born, random, silly stories are shared, and everyone remembers that, while winning is great, our teamwork is what makes this so valuable,” Chau explained.
Leaving high school, Chau has yet to decide her future plans. “At this time, I haven’t really decided yet. I’m keeping an open mind because I really believe that sometimes the best plans are the ones you figure out along the way.”
