Christian Gonzalez ’18 has always been driven by curiosity and community. From his days at Waterside—where he played basketball, soccer, and performed in the school musical—he learned to dive into every opportunity that came his way. That same spirit has guided him through King School and now toward Northwestern University.

At King, Christian challenged himself academically and personally. He joined clubs, advanced a year in math, led the STEM Club, and became active in robotics. “I think my younger self would be proud of how far I’ve come,” he says, reflecting on how staying friendly, open, and motivated has shaped his journey.

He credits Waterside’s daily commitment—Work Hard. Be Kind. Respect Learning.—as a lasting influence. “I keep pushing myself and look for new challenges. I try to give my good side to everyone and never waste a learning opportunity.”

As he prepares for his next chapter at Northwestern, Christian is focused on building a new community and connecting deeply with his professors. His advice to current Waterside students is simple: “Always take advantage of opportunities. You don’t have to do everything at once—just keep exploring. That’s how you find your path.”