Personality profile: Emmett Jang

By Alex Nakagawa

Online Managing Editor

Senior Emmett Jang is sometimes referred to as the “Superman” of South Pasadena, and at a quick glance, it is easy to see why. Jang always finds time to run at least three hours a day and practice with the wrestling team, and is training as a black belt in Hapkido. On top of his impressive athletic routine, Jang assumes his second identity as a three-year ASB member with a humble attitude. When he is not working out or saving homecoming princesses, Jang can be seen around school sporting his trademark sunglasses and driving his distinctive red Mini Cooper. These contrasting personalities are a culmination of Jang’s passionate dedication to school involvement. However, Jang admits that it wasn’t always easy to be an outgoing student.

“When I entered freshman year, I was reluctant to venture out of the small group of friends that I had,” Jang said. “When I decided to run for ASB class secretary, the campaigning really helped me to put myself out there. It was a huge reminder that my sophomore class was so much larger than just who I hung out with.”

Now entering his third tenure on ASB as the Commissioner of Correspondence, Jang is a model student government member. Following the guidance of past Commissioners Andrea Rogando and Iszzy Sun, Jang makes it a point to take what he has learned through his experiences as a leader and apply them to everything he does.

In his sophomore and junior years, Jang was able to do just that through legislation. He participated in California Association of Student Councils (CASC), also known as the Student Advisory Board for Legislation in Education, or SABLE. Along with other students from South Pasadena, Jang met with officials in Sacramento, including South Pasadena district’s Congresswoman Judy Chu, to propose legislation on removing the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE). Through CASC, Jang and his group were able to make their case to state officials, and on October 7, 2015, Governor Jerry Brown enacted a bill removing the CAHSEE from graduation requirements.

“It was great to be a part of something that had such a big impact on California education,” Jang said.

Outside of his formal activities, Jang loves to engage in friendly ping pong matches and hold jam sessions on his ukulele by himself or with his friends.

“The comparisons of Emmett to Superman are completely valid,” senior class president Amador Lagunas said. “He knows how to get things done, and consistently does even when it’s not his responsibility, but [he] is very humble and modest about it.”

Superman or not, Emmett Jang’s devotion to the well-being of the student body is a heroic tribute to his loyalty to his friends and classmates.