Series Archives:RedWolves in the Wild

Jaymee Gomez Gives An Insight Into Her Extracurricular Activities

This entry is part 11 of 38 in the series RedWolves in the Wild

Extracurricular activities allow students to shine outside academics, as it has done for sophomore Jaymee Gomez, Jewelette, and basketball players at La Joya High School.

“I like being in extracurriculars because they allow me to shine outside academics. I can meet new people through both of those programs and try different things,” said Gomez.

Gomez said that she considers herself a leader and likes to put herself in roles where she can lead; for example, she is an officer in Jewelettes and a captain in basketball.

“It helps me be more structured in a way, even though sometimes it’s hectic, it helps me become the person I am,” said Gomez.

Gomez said that even though it’s helpful, it gets very timely, making it very hard to stay on top of certain things.

“Like last weekend, I went to Corpus, and I was out for three days for basketball; it was kind of hard to make sure that all my assignments were done, but I feel that if anything, it just pushes me to try harder and better myself, and mold myself into a better person academically that way I’m able to be the person that I need to be on the court and in the dance room,” said Gomez.

Gomez said that if someone were to join these activities, they would have to know what they are getting into, especially the type of commitment it is if they already do UIL.

“It’s a little bit less time than if you have to go to practice every day at La Joya or if you have to walk to a different school to go and practice,” said Gomez.

Gomez said that if someone were to do an extracurricular activity, they would have to know what’s right for them and how much they can offer to that club.

RedWolves In The Wild

This entry is part 13 of 38 in the series RedWolves in the Wild

RedWolves Valerie and Yulissa Morales competed in the 2023 Edcouch Elsa Lady Jackets Varsity Soccer Tournament with the Palmview Lady Lobos Soccer

“The Hope for Tomorrow”

This entry is part 18 of 38 in the series RedWolves in the Wild

“The Hope for Tomorrow” by Mariana Castillo

It’s walking up the stage at the TAFE state conference and seeing the next generation of educators, knowing that out of all of them, you know you’re ready to make a difference that makes qualifying for nationals all the more special. After all the sweat and tears while working towards an award-winning presentation, you know it’s all worth it because you’re one step closer to changing the world through education.

TAFE members Itzel Tovar and Jared Mora experienced this as they walked the stage last Saturday, March 4, at the TAFE Teach for Tomorrow Summit. 

“Walking on stage is where everything becomes a reality,” Mora describes. “You can finally look at yourself and the work you have done and say, ‘I did it.’”

What stands out from these members is that this year was the second year both qualified for nationals. Tovar qualified for the Children’s Literature K-3 with team member Jessica Virrey. Mora also participated in a team event, Project Visualize-Service, with member Adamaris Ochoa.

“It feels like a really good honor,” Tovar describes her second time qualifying. “In my mind, I was frantically just thinking, ‘Oh, no. We’re not going to make it.’ But we did.”

Mora and Tovar spent long hours in, after, and out of school to complete their qualifying projects for the area and state conferences.

“We began working [on the service project] all the way back in October,” Mora says. “It wasn’t as hard as I thought, but it was a long process getting to where we are today.”

It’s not all competing at the TAFE state conference that makes it an experience of a lifetime. Despite all the rush, the club and its discussions have had rewarding moments for the members.

“It’s the experience you get when everybody’s around,” Tovar says. “There’s a feeling of connectedness between everyone…even when we don’t know what’s happening, we’re still trying to help [each other].”

Advancing to nationals was just a step closer to the members’ careers. TAFE has allowed them to explore outside their comfort zones to prepare them for what’s to come once they leave high school.

“TAFE has gotten me through my fear of speaking to people,” Tovar mentions. “I got over my fear of speaking to authority figures and public speaking too. I hope to stay on that path of not being afraid of someone in a higher position than me.”

TAFE is where the future of education lies, where the next generation will shape the world. Mora urges incoming members to enjoy it.

“[Don’t] stress about [your] projects too much,” Mora says. “I say this because once you start stressing, it removes the fun aspect of it. At the end of the day, if you don’t advance, remember there’s always next year.”