Posted inEducation

Senior Sets Sights on Psychology Career, Advocates Early College Route

Senior Sets Sights on Psychology Career, Advocates Early College Route

As the graduation season approaches, Jimmy Carter High School’s senior, Daisy Escobedo, is not only preparing to receive her high school diploma but is also on the cusp of earning an associate degree, thanks to her enrollment in a dual credit program. Escobedo’s dedication to her studies and her clear vision for the future stand out as she shares her academic journey and career aspirations.

“Currently, I am a dual enrollment student working towards having an associate degree by the time I graduate high school. I have been working towards this goal since my sophomore year of high school,” Escobedo said.
She strongly encourages her fellow students to seize similar opportunities, emphasizing the importance of passing the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) assessments. “I highly encourage Jimmy students to pass their TSIs as soon as possible so they can experience college classes and a lot of learning not offered from the standard high school curriculum,” Escobedo said.

Looking beyond high school, Escobedo has her sights set on a career in psychology, though she acknowledges the need for direct experience in the field.
“After graduation, I hope I get the opportunity to gain minor psychology experience since my career choice is in that area,” Escobedo said.
She is exploring local volunteer opportunities to gain relevant experience, mainly through Hidalgo County services like Work Solutions for students.

Escobedo’s strategic approach to her education and career is supported by her mentors and counselors, including Ms. Luna, her CIS mentor.
“I have discussed these plans with my CIS mentor, Ms. Luna, about how I will stay local at UTRGV since they already provide great programs and classes that help many students,” Escobed said.
Escobedo also plans to work over the summer to support her college expenses.

Escobedo has learned valuable life skills from balancing academics and work through her job at a Mexican restaurant.
“I am working at a Mexican restaurant, which has taught me socializing skills and outside-world problems that require critical thinking and effective solutions,” Escobedo said.
Her priority remains to complete her academic work efficiently to ensure she can rest and recharge.

Escobedo envisions a future where she is both academically and financially accomplished.
“Hopefully, in five years, I will finish school and be debt-free from the university since I’ll be staying local. I hope that I have completed my bachelor’s degree in psychology and gained experience helping individuals solve their problems,” Escobedo said.
Her desire to give back to her community reflects her gratitude and commitment to those who have supported her educational journey.

Daisy Escobedo’s story is a testament to the resilience, foresight, and ambition of today’s youth. It inspires others to pursue their dreams with determination and a clear sense of purpose.

Posted inEducation

Striving to be a pediatrician

Striving to be a pediatrician

Cayden Salinas, a freshman at Jimmy Carter, is currently looking forward to one day studying in the medical field while still having fun experiences.

“I wanna study in the medical field and be a pediatrician,” said Salinas.

His mother inspired his passion for being in the medical field and becoming a pediatrician.

Salinas is also involved in extracurricular activities at his comprehensive school and Jimmy Carter. He is currently in the orchestra and the chess club.

“I’m in the chess club and orchestra. I got into the orchestra because I thought it would be fun, and it is,” Salinas said.

When he wants a break from work, Salinas looks forward to watching One Piece after finishing his work. He sometimes believes he is meant to be a food critic because he loves food.

Salinas enjoys doing it for the experience and flavor. Doing all this helps him relieve his stress and take a break from his work.

His advance is never to stop being bothered by losing, for it’s like you have lost twice.

Salinas believes there is always room for improvement and something to learn, so you should never settle.

Posted inEducation

Jayline Guerra: Studying for success

Jayline Guerra: Studying for success

Jayline Guerra, a freshman at Jimmy Carter Early College High School, strives to improve her education while managing her workload.
Guerra is the oldest sibling in her family. She is the first one to attend college early and is the expectation of success for her younger brothers.
“I was confused about some of the things, such as the dual enrollment assignments, but I was able to ask for help from my teachers and family,” Guerra said.
Her transition from her middle school activities—softball, basketball, and track—to having to focus on high school work and UIL activities caused her to consider staying after school.
“I played volleyball during my first semester,” Guerra said.
With two dual enrollment classes in her second semester, she decided to take a break to focus on her grades.
“I wanted to use my time after school to focus on my grades first, then sports or UIL.”
Though Guerra is not officially in any student council position, she still offers help with preparing events such as the Mercados.
Although Guerra does not have a direct career path, she is aware of what she wants to study, which is psychology.
“I always found it interesting how people think and knowing why,” Guerra said. “I did consider teaching, but I was advised by my tia, who worked at a different school, to pursue a higher-paying career.”

Posted inEducation

Navigating the Last Year: Ariana Espinoza’s Reflection on Academics, Challenges, and Future Aspirations

Navigating the Last Year: Ariana Espinoza’s Reflection on Academics, Challenges, and Future Aspirations

As the academic year draws to a close at Jimmy Carter Early College High School, senior Ariana Espinoza shares her mixed emotions of excitement, nostalgia, and anticipation for what lies ahead. Espinoza, who has maintained high grades throughout her final year, emphasizes the importance of cherishing the remaining time with classmates while preparing for future endeavors. It’s a year characterized by the delicate balance between bidding farewell to familiar halls and eagerly anticipating the adventures.

“Regardless of being a very busy year, it has been fun and bittersweet. We are all getting ready to move on to new chapters in our lives, but also trying to create new memories and enjoy the time that we have left together,” Espinoza said. “It is a year of reflection as well; we look back at all of the academic challenges we’ve had, accomplishments we’ve made, and growth we’ve shown, whether personal or academic. Time has flown by very fast, but I’m glad I have made the most of it.”

Espinoza’s academic rigor is evident in her commitment to her studies, particularly in an anatomy and physiology class that she finds challenging and fascinating.
“I have planned to maintain good grades in all my classes, and I have achieved them by trying my best and staying on top of my work by turning it in on time,” It’soza said.

Beyond academics, Espinoza has successfully balanced extracurricular activities” and part-time work, crediting her organizational skills for her ability to manage her time efficiently.
“As someone who has always struggled with managing their time, I am proud of how well I have managed working, extracurricular activities, and academics this year,” Espinoza said. “Sometimes we just need to discipline ourselves to get things done. I write down all my tasks on a sticky note to stay organized. If I know I have work or events, I prioritize completing those tasks beforehand. It makes things easier for me to balance everything and manage my time efficiently.”

Looking “to the future, Espinoza shares advice for underclassmen, stressing the” importance of time management, self-care, and enjoying the high school experience.
“Manage your time wisely and prepare yourself for next year as you submit college and scholarship applications,” Espinoza said, “but don’t forget to enjoy and cherish this journey. Always remember to prioritize yourself and your well-being.”

With graduation on the horizon, Espinoza and her classmates stand at the threshold of a new beginning, ready to face the challenging opportunities that await.

Posted inEducation

Empowering Excellence: Carlos Rodriguez’s Journey at Jimmy Carter Early College High School

Empowering Excellence: Carlos Rodriguez’s Journey at Jimmy Carter Early College High School

At Jimmy Carter Early College High School, academic excellence isn’t just a goal; it’s a way of life. For students like Carlos Rodriguez, enrolling in this institution was motivated by the desire for top-notch educational opportunities. “Jimmy Carter had the best options academically,” Rodriguez said.
Since joining Jimmy Carter, Rodriguez has found himself immersed in a vibrant academic environment, surrounded by supportive educators who excel in their fields and make learning enjoyable.
“Jimmy Carter is a great school with a great environment,” Rodriguez said. “All my teachers are great educators and fun to be around.”
With high hopes for personal and academic growth, Rodriguez expects Jimmy Carter to be a platform for his success.
“Hopefully, this school can help me excel, not only academically but personally,” Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez acknowledges his strengths and challenges, acknowledging his proficiency in reading and writing while recognizing the hurdles presented by subjects like Geography and Algebra, which demand extensive memorization.
Despite not currently participating in extracurricular activities, Rodriguez remains dedicated to his studies and focuses on effectively balancing his workload.
“I am not currently taking on any extracurricular activities,” Rodriguez said, highlighting his commitment to academic pursuits.
In addition to his regular coursework, Rodriguez is currently enrolled in college-level courses, including “Intro to Speech” and “Intro to Computing.”
These advanced classes not only enrich his learning experience but also prepare him for his long-term educational and career aspirations.
“Eventually, I see myself starting a career involving music,” Rodriguez reveals, expressing his ambitions for the future.
As he navigates his journey through Jimmy Carter Early College High School, Rodriguez hopes to gain academic knowledge and valuable life skills. “I hope to gain greater knowledge from this high school,” he says, “and hopefully, this school can somehow teach me how to become a better person.”
Carlos Rodriguez’s journey at Jimmy Carter Early College High School showcases the school’s dedication to academic success and personal development. With supportive teachers, challenging classes, and pathways for growth, Jimmy Carter equips students like Rodriguez with the resources to excel in their studies and beyond. As Rodriguez progresses in his education, he’s well-positioned to achieve his aspirations and maximize his experience at Jimmy Carter Early College High School.