Posted inEducation

Nicole Flores On Dealing With The Three S’s: Sports, School, and Stress

MaryJane by MaryJane

She grew up watching her older sister, Renee Flores, play. Nikki would be on the sidelines when Renee played, cheering her on. Just by watching, Nikki knew she wanted to be just like her. 

Nicole Flores, Nikki, dedicates her basketball career to her older sister, Renee, and credits Renee as her motivation to continue extracurricular activities despite the stress it brings.  

“I grew up watching her in general. I look up to her successful career, and I want to prove others wrong when they told me I couldn’t be better than her,” Flores said. 

There are many roles Flores takes on as she participates in extracurricular activities, such as Being the Palmview Lobos Varsity Starter, Lobo’s Football Student Trainer, and participating in Dual Enrollment Classes at JCECHS and South Texas College. 

Her involvement in all of these activities comes at a cost. Flores says she has encountered struggles and successes.
“It gets stressful for sure, but when I start to feel myself stressing out, I disconnect and take time to focus on myself…just my music and me.” 

Flores hates looking at the time. The constant checking of time adds to the apprehension. She stated that she’d often stress out more just thinking about how she would manage her time rather than how much homework she had. 

“I love it. I have so many friends that make the stress worth it, but I forget to have a good time.” 

The stress often becomes overwhelming for Flores, but she always jumps ahead and confronts the stress before it overtakes her. 

“I plan out my day before it starts. I have a planner that I use to track deadlines, games, practices, church, and all sorts of events related to school.”

If Nicole Flores has learned one thing about managing a heavy workload, she learned how to handle all her activities and tackle her stress head-on.

Posted inStaff Profile, Education, Carter Update, News

With a new administrative position waiting for her, Mrs. Brown says her goodbyes to students and staff.

Marianna R. by Marianna R.

Walking out of school while parents walked in for Meet the Teacher Night, mixed sadness and excitement flooded Vanessa Brown as she drove off campus for the last time as a staff member.
After seven years of teaching at Jimmy Carter Early College High School, Brown, formally Mrs. Brown, says her goodbyes to her students and staff.
On Sep. 1, 2023, Brown received a phone call confirming her new position as assistant principal at Palmview High School.
“I’m really excited, and obviously there’s a lot of sadness because this has been my home for 7 years,” Brown said.
Mrs. Brown has had the credentials to be an administrator since 2009, and this is the opportunity to apply her new experience.
“Every year, there has been something different, and I’ve been learning something new and being challenged,” Brown said. “And so, I think that’s why I’ve stayed so long because it kept being a new exciting thing for me every year.”
One of Brown’s favorite things about being a staff member at JCECHS was the campus’ small size and seeing the students grow up in their high school years.

“We get to see our students from the beginning of their time here,” Brown said.
Another thing that stands out to Brown is her co-workers’ qualities.
“You’re working with people who are like the most qualified people, the most experienced people,” Brown said.
Having those relationships with people who are specialists in what they do was a learning experience for Brown.
The moments of leaving the campus were bittersweet for Brown.
“I knew I would be back on campus for events with my daughter, but as a parent and not as a RedWolf,” Brown said.
Mrs. Brown’s last day teaching at Jimmy Carter ECHS was Tuesday, Sep. 5.
“I’m going to miss my students and co-workers, but I’m super excited for what this next challenge is and how I can learn and grow in this experience,” Brown said. “I’m ready, I have the skills to be successful, and this is scary/exciting.”

Posted inScience, Education, Community, STC, Student Life

Biology DE students conduct their first semester lab experiment!👩🏻‍🔬🔬#ScienceInTheMaking

Yanet O by Yanet O

Biology DE students conduct their first semester lab experiment!👩🏻‍🔬🔬#ScienceInTheMaking

Biology DE students carry out their first lab experiment of the semester. Students investigate the pill bugs’ affinity to varied surroundings.
“My first lab experiment was intriguing; the only thing that grossed me out was the pill bugs because I’m not a huge fan of bugs,” junior Alexandra Contreras said. But overall, it was very exciting to witness the pill bugs’ behavior and influence on their activities.”
Students said they were pumped to work on more lab experiments for the rest of the semester.

“I’m excited about the next lab experiments; they’re entertaining and engaging, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for future experiments,” junior Kelly Galvan said.
The students are excited about the lab investigations, and the Biology DE instructor shares her excitement as she witnesses her students perform the lab experiments.
“Because most of my students had never carried out an actual lab experiment before during their ninth and tenth-grade year,” Biology DE professor Ms. Charles said. “I enjoy seeing the excitement on my student’s faces while they conduct their lab experiments.”
Biology DE students are now anticipating what awaits them in the coming weeks of the first semester.