Senior Andrew Wu’s backyard is a nature lover‘s paradise. Abundant with chickens, plants and shovels, it’s a reflection of Wu’s dedication to a life outdoors. It may not be the biggest or cleanest yard, but Wu fills it with chicken feed, gardening tools and hiking shoes — all tokens of his various passions.
Throughout Wu’s childhood, family trips to Canada and frequent outings to Moss Landing State Beach in Monterey, sowed the seeds of his love for the environment. Wu’s most beloved memory was fishing on a dock on Galiano Island in British Columbia, overlooking the vast Strait of Georgia.
“I never had access to electronics,” Wu said. “So at home, I would play outside everyday with my sister, making mud balls, pretending we were explorers of the wilderness and visiting the creek.”
Even as Wu grew up and gained access to the internet, his love for nature continued to flourish. In an increasingly digital age, Wu is grateful that his parents nudged him onto a path forward in nature.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Wu’s interest in nature skyrocketed: watching YouTube videos of chickens or Gordon Ramsey inspired him to garden more, and he successfully begged his parents for chicks that are now feisty hens. Although his chickens cause a ruckus at times, Wu shows them endless affection.
“Sometimes, even now, I go home and the garden is just huge,” his sister Angela Wu said. “I’ll be like, ‘Wow, how’d this even happen?’ He’s really into it, out with the chickens all the time.”
The love Wu has for his chickens is akin to the love he carries for his garden. Inside, it displays a selection of vegetables and flowers: crinkled leaves of napa cabbage, deep green waves of kale and dahlias with rings of purple — the origins of bouquets and handmade dishes for his family. A fenced-off area holds his seven chickens: with rough feathers and proud beaks, they roam around clucking noisily and digging the soil.
“Gardening makes me feel good,” Wu said. “It takes a lot of patience and skill, and when I’m done, I’m always so proud of myself.”
Beyond his backyard, Wu finds tranquility in the waters of Moss Landing. With the sea rolling in his ears, Wu stands with his fishing rod and treasures the sunrise all the way home. Wu and his sister once spent nearly a whole day — 10 hours — fishing together.
“A lot of the memories with Andrew that I like to look back on are in nature,” Angela Wu said. “Having that interest in nature is definitely a part of his development as a person.”
Tying all the elements of his love for nature on a platter, Wu turns fresh ingredients into delicious home-cooked meals. As Culinary Arts Club president, Wu finds joy in crafting dishes. However, cooking does not bury his love for visiting restaurants. For Wu and his friends, the atmosphere of elegant outdoor dining brings excitement.
“We’re collecting restaurants like Infinity Stones,” senior and friend Ryan Xue said. “Andrew always has a good idea of what popular restaurant we should visit.”
Whether in restaurants or his own backyard, Wu appreciates the world around him. Details like the fairy lights he loves to dine under and small moments like his chickens following him around are close to his heart.
“I find so much peace in nature,” Wu said. “Time slows down. When I’m by myself, listening to birds or watching sunsets, it’s so beautiful.”
