Black Brilliance: Student-Athlete From New Jersey Earns Perfect SAT Score
Sahli Negassi, a 17-year-old student from West Orange, New Jersey earned a perfect 1600 on the SAT exam. He joins the less than 1% of students in the nation to accomplish this near-impossible feat.
According to the College Board's 2024 Annual Report, there were 77,320 SAT test-takers in the state of New Jersey. 7,947 of these students were Black. Two percent of these Black students earned a score ranging from 1400-1600.
A cross-country and track athlete, Negassi compared taking the SAT to beimg prepared for race day. 'When you're on the line, you've already put in the work,' Negassi told PIX11 NYC News. 'Your body is already as strong as it needs to be. At that point, the race is the easiest part. So I just went into it with that mindset of just trusting myself.'
The first time Negassi took the SAT in May 2024 he earned a 1530. He retook the exam in June and earned his 1600. He tried to study every day, despite a rigorous schedule of extracurriculars. He never took an SAT prep class, relying on his AP coursework, Khan Academy, and YouTube videos.
Negassi's extracurriculars are a college admissions officer's dream. In addition to running, the student-athlete is also a member of the varsity chess team, president of the math team, plays the cello in the Royal Strings ensemble, spent two seasons on the color guard, and is part of six honor societies including the National Honors Society.
He hopes that his perfect score will help him achieve his dream of attending Harvard University and becoming an engineer or a lawyer.
'Give me 10 years," Negassi told Black News. "I'll be out in the world doing something more important than a standardized test.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CNBC
a day ago
- CNBC
I've spent 10 years studying parents of highly successful kids—5 things they do differently: 'It's not just hard work and grit'
I've always been fascinated by families whose children seem to be on some kind of unusual streak, reaching the top of their career ladders, or, even more interesting to me, blazing trails or following their passions with spectacular results. What did their parents do differently to empower them? What do researchers really know about what's effective in giving kids the support they need to succeed? Given that siblings are often so different, what seemed to be helpful across the board? For my book, "The Family Dynamic: A Journey Into the Mysteries of Sibling Success," I interviewed dozens of parents of high-achieving children and interviewed well over 100 experts. As a mom of twin boys who are now teenagers, here's what I found to be the most convincing. You can provide all the enrichment in the world and encourage your child to excel in school, but if they don't internalize a sense of possibility, their academic strengths might only take them so far. I was amazed by the consistency of the outlook of the parents I interviewed, who encouraged their kids to think big, feel hope and stay positive. Marilyn Holifield, one of three siblings from Tallahassee who became influential civil rights activists, told me that the unspoken motto in her household was, "All things possible." And Amalia Murguia, who raised seven children in humble circumstances, several of whom became national figures (in philanthropy, civil rights and the federal courts), would also say, "With God's help, all things are possible." One fascinating study showed that parents often don't know what to say when children say they don't want to take math and science classes that can be crucial for academic success. The researchers followed up by providing pamphlets and website links to help parents tailor their motivational approach to their own children. If their child wanted to be professional soccer players, for example, the parents might say, "Oh, when you're a pro athlete, you need to be able to stay on top of your finances, which can be quite important at that pay scale." Telling kids to focus on something practical won't inspire them. Instead, parents were to focus on what would make that learning seem valuable to their children, based on their interests. The SAT scores of kids whose parents used this approach (compared to parents randomly assigned to a control) ended up with ACT math and science scores that were 12% higher. One study that stuck with me found that parents often underestimate how capable their children are — and how much they will learn from trying hard even in every day tasks. The experimenters gave 4-year-olds at a children's museum the opportunity to dress themselves in hockey gear for play, and some parents were reminded that kids can learn from dressing themselves. They sat back and let the child figure out the various straps and how to put on the gear, which they did successfully. Kids are capable of more than we think — and we know that when parents intervene, it's demotivating, so we should encourage self-sufficiency, rather than be afraid of the smallest struggles. Jeannine Groff, the mother of an Olympian, an award-winning novelist and a serial entrepreneurial, showed me how she keeps all the plastic dishes and cups on floor of the bottom cabinet in her kitchen, so her grandchildren can serve themselves. Learning doesn't just happen from puzzles and books; it happens in the everyday activities. Especially since the pandemic, developmental psychologists are making a shift away from research on how to encourage hard work, and towards research on how to foster a love of learning and a deep curiosity. So many of the parents I wrote about in my book seemed to think that travel was one way to foster that, and some research backs that thinking up. The Emanuels — three famous brothers who have been at the top of the entertainment, political and bioethics fields — said their father believed "it was absolutely necessary for an understanding of the world, and oneself." I remember interviewing the parents of one set of incredible siblings for whom travel was so important that they saved all year for one big trip; and they brought two weeks' worth of homemade snacks so they wouldn't have to pay for that on the road. What all of these lessons have in common is that the parents I interviewed brought love and joy to helping their children grow. For the most part, they were there to support their children, but didn't see themselves as their coaches and critics. Diane Paulus, the Broadway director, was dancing the American Ballet Theater at a very young age, but her mother's approach, for me personally, was an inspiring model. Her mother, she said, had a way of "watching without desire." Our job is to expose our kids to opportunities, know them well enough to motivate them with love, and then let their own desires provide all the drive they need.
Time Magazine
a day ago
- Time Magazine
10 Intriguing World Records According to AI
This article is published by a partner of TIME. World records capture the extraordinary, showcasing the limits of human ability, natural phenomena, and technological innovation. They inspire awe, curiosity, and even a sense of possibility, reminding us that the boundaries of achievement are constantly being pushed. Whether it's the fastest, tallest, largest, or most unique, world records are a testament to human ambition and ingenuity. Throughout history, people have strived to break barriers, often devoting their lives to setting records that seem impossible. From physical feats of strength and endurance to scientific and technological milestones, these achievements symbolize the pinnacle of human effort and the extraordinary aspects of the world around us. They also serve as snapshots of history, reflecting our collective fascination with the exceptional. This article celebrates 10 intriguing world records, using research assistance from ChatGPT, chosen for their significance, impact, and inspiration. Each record represents an impressive achievement that exceeds ordinary expectations and has captured the imagination of people worldwide. 1. Tallest Man in Recorded History: Robert Wadlow Robert Wadlow, known as the "Alton Giant," holds the record for the tallest man in recorded history, standing at an incredible 8 feet 11 inches (272 cm). His height was due to a condition called hyperplasia of the pituitary gland, which caused excessive growth due to hormone production. Born: February 22, 1918, in Alton, Illinois Condition: Hyperplasia of the pituitary gland Life Span: Lived to the age of 22, passing away in 1940 Impact: Symbol of resilience and acceptance of physical differences Legacy: Recognized by the Guinness World Records as the tallest person in history 2. Fastest 100-Meter Sprint: Usain Bolt Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt, born in 1986, set the world record for the 100-meter dash at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin, clocking an astonishing time of 9.58 seconds. Known as the "Lightning Bolt," his record remains unbeaten. Date Set: August 16, 2009 Location: Berlin, Germany Notable Achievements: 8-time Olympic gold medalist Legacy: Regarded as the greatest sprinter of all time Impact: Inspired a new generation of athletes worldwide 3. Deepest Ocean Dive: Challenger Deep The Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench is the deepest point on Earth, reaching a depth of approximately 36,070 feet (10,994 meters). Victor Vescovo holds the record for the deepest solo dive, achieved in 2019 using a specially designed submersible. 4. Most Viewed YouTube Video: "Baby Shark Dance" The 'Baby Shark Dance' holds the record as the most-viewed video on YouTube, with over 15.1 billion views (and counting). Its catchy tune and playful animation captured the attention of children and adults worldwide. 5. Tallest Structure Ever Built: Burj Khalifa The Burj Khalifa in Dubai is the tallest man-made structure in the world, a skyscraper standing at 2,717 feet (828 meters). This architectural marvel is a symbol of human ambition and engineering excellence. The second tallest structure is the Merdeka 118 skyscraper in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia at 2,227 feet. 6. Longest Time Spent in Space: Valery Polyakov Russian cosmonaut Valery Polyakov holds the record for the longest continuous time spent in space, with a mission lasting 437 days, 17 hours, and 58 minutes (18 months) aboard the Mir space station. He died in 2022 at the age of 80 in Moscow. 7. Heaviest Weight Lifted: Paul Anderson Paul Anderson, an American weightlifter, set a world record in 1957 by lifting an astonishing 6,270 pounds (2,840 kg) in a backlift. This feat remains one of the greatest demonstrations of strength in history. Date Set: 1957 Technique: Backlift Legacy: Known as the "Strongest Man in History" Achievements: Olympic gold medalist (1956) in weightlifting Cultural Impact: Inspired strength athletes and fitness enthusiasts worldwide 8. Longest Marathon Running Streak: Ron Hill Ron Hill, a British long-distance runner, holds the record for the longest streak of running every single day. Hill ran at least one mile every day for 52 years and 39 days, a streak that ended in 2017. He died at the age of 82 in 2021. Minimum Distance: At least 1 mile daily Legacy: Symbol of dedication and perseverance in athletics Impact: Inspired the "run streak" movement Notable Achievements: Competed in two Olympics (1964, 1972) Significance: A testament to human endurance and consistency 9. Largest Animal on Earth: The Blue Whale The blue whale is the largest animal ever recorded, with some individuals reaching lengths of over 100 feet (30 meters) and weighing up to 200 tons. This majestic marine mammal symbolizes the grandeur of Earth's biodiversity. Weight: Up to 200 tons Diet: Primarily krill, consuming up to 4 tons daily Habitat: Found in oceans worldwide, preferring colder waters Conservation Status: Endangered due to hunting and habitat loss, only 10-25 thousand exist currently worldwide. Significance: A reminder of the importance of marine conservation 10. Fastest Land Animal: The Cheetah The cheetah holds the title of the fastest land animal, capable of reaching speeds up to 70 mph (113 km/h) in short bursts while chasing prey. Top Speed: Up to 70 mph (113 km/h) Acceleration: Can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 3 seconds Habitat: Grasslands and savannas in sub-Saharan Africa Diet: Carnivorous, primarily hunting gazelles and smaller mammals Conservation Status: Vulnerable, with population declines due to habitat loss; only 7100 Cheetahs are estimated to be left in the world. Legacy: A symbol of speed and agility in the animal kingdom Conclusion on World Records World records remind us of the extraordinary possibilities within nature, human achievement, and technological innovation. From the towering heights of the Burj Khalifa to the deepest ocean dive, these records captivate our imagination and challenge us to push the boundaries of what we believe is possible. These 10 records are more than mere statistics; they are stories of ambition, perseverance, and wonder. As we continue to explore the limits of our world and ourselves, new records will emerge, ensuring that the spirit of achievement endures for generations to come. Related Articles: About the Authors: Richard D. Harroch is a Senior Advisor to CEOs, management teams, and Boards of Directors. He is an expert on M&A, venture capital, startups, and business contracts. He was the Managing Director and Global Head of M&A at VantagePoint Capital Partners, a venture capital fund in the San Francisco area. His focus is on internet, digital media, AI and technology companies. He was the founder of several Internet companies. His articles have appeared online in Forbes, Fortune, MSN, Yahoo, Fox Business and Richard is the author of several books on startups and entrepreneurship as well as the co-author of Poker for Dummies and a Wall Street Journal-bestselling book on small business. He is the co-author of a 1,500-page book published by Bloomberg on mergers and acquisitions of privately held companies. He was also a corporate and M&A partner at the international law firm of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe. He has been involved in over 200 M&A transactions and 250 startup financings. He can be reached through LinkedIn. Dominique Harroch is the Chief of Staff at She has acted as a Chief of Staff or Operations Leader for multiple companies where she leveraged her extensive experience in operations management, strategic planning, and team leadership to drive organizational success. With a background that spans over two decades in operations leadership, event planning at her own start-up and marketing at various financial and retail companies. Dominique is known for her ability to optimize processes, manage complex projects and lead high-performing teams. She holds a BA in English and Psychology from U.C. Berkeley and an MBA from the University of San Francisco. She can be reached via LinkedIn.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Are you a victim of ‘dry begging'? Here's how to make sure passive-aggressive manipulation doesn't ruin your relationship
Even in the healthiest of relationships, conflicts are bound to arise. But how you deal with them speaks volumes about the strength of your bond. Passive-aggressive phrases like 'I guess I'll just do all of the laundry this week' or 'most people would be happy their partner does this' are prime examples of 'dry begging,' a phenomenon that couples counselors, therapists and other mental health experts are starting to call out. 'Dry begging operates by exploiting social cues and emotional signals rather than making direct requests,' explains Darren Magee, an accredited UK-based counselor, in a YouTube video that has since amassed almost half a million views. 'It usually involves dropping hints, displaying some kind of need or vulnerability, or making emotional demonstrations,' Magee elaborates. 'All of these are aimed at creating a sense of obligation in others.' Whether the person dry-begging realizes it or not, the tactic creates a situation where the other party feels compelled to help or agree — essentially preying on empathy. 'The key to a healthy, long-term relationship is the ability of a couple to communicate and understand the other on a deeply vulnerable level where each person lets their guard down,' relationship therapist Hope Kelaher tells Brides. 'Taking a passive-aggressive stance is the exact opposite: In worst-case scenarios, I have seen it not only leads to communication breakdown, but to increased conflict, partner withdrawal, mistrust, confusion, poor self-esteem, and, in the worst cases, the end of a relationship.' Though it's not an expression you'll find in psychology or counseling textbooks, it's a surprisingly common move that you or your partner may not even realize you're doing. On a Reddit thread that broached the topic of the relatively new term, one user was shocked to find that dry begging is more common in relationships than many would assume. 'When I saw this a few days ago, my reaction was, 'Wait, there's a word for that?!?!'' they replied under the original post. Magee suggests that while sometimes dry begging is unconscious behavior that stems from a fear of rejection or worries over coming across as a burden, it is also a tactic of emotional manipulation that narcissists often employ. 'Narcissists generally have a fragile self-image that they want to protect. Asking for help directly might make them look or feel vulnerable, weak or dependent. These are traits they might associate with inferiority. 'Dry begging allows them to hint at their needs without compromising their sense of superiority or self-sufficiency,' he adds. That being said, in many relationships — whether they're platonic, familial or romantic — people are unaware of their own red flags. Dry begging 'is not always manipulative — it certainly can be — but I like to give people the benefit of the doubt. First, look at what's the intention, and is it a pattern,' Aerial Cetnar, a therapist and owner of Boulder Therapy and Wellness in Colorado, tells HuffPost. 'It's common that people are not really taught how to ask for things in a way that's really clear and direct,' Cetnar continues. 'Sometimes they resort to dry begging because it feels like it's a hint and they'd rather it be a hint that gets rejected than a clear ask to be rejected.' Experts agree that when a pattern of manipulation arises, even if it seems as subtle as dry begging on occasion, it may be time to have an open conversation about the issue and seek help from a professional to resolve it. Any pattern of behavior is difficult to break, but whether you or your partner is the dry beggar in question, experts advise, it's an important step to recognize that people can't read minds. Communication, in other words, is key. Identifying the presence of dry begging in a relationship is only the first step to mending damage done by passive-aggressive manipulation. The Bay Area Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Center suggests engaging in a grounded, calm conversation that can prevent triggering a defensive reaction from either party — avoiding blame is important, according to experts at the center. From there, Magee and Cetnar both emphasize that setting boundaries, engaging in direct communication, seeking personalized professional guidance, and, if necessary, evaluating the status of the relationship itself are excellent next steps to preventing future dry-begging incidents.
