Posted inEducation

The Heart Behind the Hustle

Leonardo G. by Leonardo G.

School isn’t just a place for learning — it’s a place for leading. Camila Garcia’s schedule is packed, from class meetings to club events, U.S. history to algebra. And she wouldn’t have it any other way. She’s the sophomore class president, FBLA secretary and a UIL poetry competitor.

No matter how much schoolwork she has, she makes time for her peers, music and sleep. Like her favorite singer, Sabrina Carpenter, said: “Little things become everything.”

“Having those positions has been a fun challenge — working with my officers to plan things that help our class have fun is fun itself,” Camila said. “Since we do a lot, I try to make sure nobody feels left out.”

Camila values both academics and school culture, so she’s optimistic about the upcoming consolidation.

“I think it’s a good idea because of all the new things it’ll bring, but at the same time, I feel uneasy. Maybe it’s just because we haven’t experienced something like it, but it’ll be really cool to meet new people,” she said. “Even if we lose some people, we’ll gain more to enrich our school’s culture.”

She finds success in subjects she enjoys but struggles in others. She might mix up a plus or minus, but she won’t miss a question in her favorite class: U.S. history with Ramiro Garza.

“My best class is definitely U.S. history. Mr. Garza’s teaching makes the material more interesting,” Camila said. “But I’m the opposite in Algebra II. It’s the hardest class I have because I already struggle with math, and I’m also taking geometry.”

To stay on top of her workload, she jots assignments in her notes app and crosses them off.

“Next year, I want to advance in poetry and compete at nationals for FBLA,” she said. “I’m nervous about the SAT and ACT — I just hope I get a high score.”

When asked who she’d have dinner with, she didn’t hesitate.

“Alexander Hamilton, me in the future — and maybe even Sabrina Carpenter,” she said.

She wants to know how Hamilton wrote so much, how her future will go, and how Carpenter stays so cool.

“I am confident, considerate and curious,” Camila said. “I’m not afraid to do what’s best, I care about my class, and I’m excited for what tomorrow will bring.”

Posted inEducation

Student Balances Busy Schedule, Pursues Ambitious Goals

Daniela M. by Daniela M.

Balancing extracurricular activities, academics and personal life is a challenge for many high school students. For Jocelyne Vargas, staying busy is not just a challenge — it’s a lifestyle. With ambitious goals, she manages to keep a firm balance.

Involved in several organizations — including Mu Alpha Theta, National Honor Society, Beta Club, Art Club and serving as a class officer — Vargas has built a name for herself as a highly active member of the school community.

With so many responsibilities, dedication and careful time management are required to maintain balance.

“A typical day for me starts with school, and while I’m there, I try to get as much work done as possible,” she said. “I don’t want to take it home because, at home, I want to spend time with my family and friends.”

Writing tasks down in a planner helps keep her organized and on track to meet deadlines. Even with strong time management skills, stress can become overwhelming.

“When I feel overwhelmed, I just try to relax and get as much done as I can, even if it’s late,” she said. “Anything is better than a zero, and surrounding myself with friends helps a lot.”

She also acknowledges that sacrifices are sometimes necessary — whether it’s turning down a new activity or skipping a club meeting to finish an assignment. Still, her goal of graduating high school with an associate degree helps her push forward.

“I know that I will graduate with my associate degree, and that keeps me going. I’m saving time and money, and I’m making myself and my parents proud,” she said.

Despite the pressure and demands, her passion for meeting new people and staying active fuels her motivation. There have been times when schoolwork suffered due to extracurricular commitments, but she has found ways to bounce back.

“Yes, my grades have suffered at times, but I just try to stay organized,” she said. “If that happens, I turn in my work as soon as possible to get the most credit I can.”

Balancing a schedule like Vargas’ comes with its challenges, but she has learned to handle the pressure and always do her best — even if it means letting people down. Her priorities are clear: staying true to herself and her goals.

Spending time with family, engaging in creative activities and seeking support from loved ones have helped her maintain a positive state of mind.

“My friends help me stay on track because we are in the same environment and have the same goals,” she said. “We push each other to do our best.”

Looking back, she has no regrets about her busy schedule. The friendships, experiences and accomplishments have made all the hard work worth it.

“Although I’m always busy, I feel like it’s worth it because I’ve met so many new people through the activities I do,” she said. “And in the end, I know I will accomplish my goals.”

By building a strong support system and maintaining a determined mindset, Vargas continues to navigate high school with perseverance — proving that a packed schedule can be both manageable and rewarding.

Posted inEducation

Spring in the Mercado

Ximena S. by Ximena S.

The annual Spring Mercado brought students and staff together once again for a day filled with food, games and school spirit. The long-standing tradition offered a welcome break from academics as the campus transformed into a vibrant celebration.

Students in Mrs. Torres’ Practicum in Entrepreneurship class played a key role in preparing for the event, working for weeks on decorations.

“I was in class helping Mrs. Torres make flowers,” said student Rubi. “It was a lot of work to create each one, but it was worth it because I enjoy doing DIY projects, and the end result was very pretty.”

Although some traditional food options were missing this year, attendees still enjoyed a variety of snacks — many of them at lower prices.

“I noticed that this year they did not have tacos or brisket sandwiches, but they made up for it with other snacks at a pretty good price,” Rubi said.

The day was filled with laughter and activity, as students visited booths, sampled treats, and created lasting memories.

“I had so much fun with my friends during our last mercado,” said Alexa. “We visited almost every table, and we made so many memories.”

From colorful decorations to cheerful crowds, the Spring Mercado once again delivered a festive atmosphere for the school community to enjoy.

Posted inEducation

Rusbel Gonzalez: A Freshman Athlete Striving for Balance

Maria A. by Maria A.

At just 14 years old, Rusbel Gonzalez is already making a name for himself — not just for his quick footwork on the basketball court, but for his focus and ambition off it.

Though smaller in stature than many of his teammates and opponents, Gonzalez navigates the court with speed, precision and quiet determination. His commitment to basketball began early, fueled by the encouragement of his family.

“Oh, my parents, they always help me out,” Gonzalez said. Their support has kept his passion for the sport alive.

But Gonzalez isn’t only focused on scoring points. He’s determined to succeed both as an athlete and a student.

“The student comes before the athlete,” he said. “You can’t just play sports without doing good in school.”

That balance between sports and academics has taught Gonzalez discipline and time management, lessons that extend beyond the gym. He’s also faced challenges unique to his athletic journey — particularly his height.

“Yes, I have,” he said when asked if he’s encountered obstacles. “My height.”

Rather than letting that become a setback, Gonzalez adapted.

“I practiced more and just got quicker,” he said.

Like many athletes, Gonzalez has learned how to deal with outside noise and negativity.

“I just handle it by ignoring them,” he said. “I don’t really listen to people that criticize.”

Outside of basketball, Gonzalez has a passion for reading — a hobby not often associated with athletes his age.

“A fun fact about me?” he said with a grin. “That I read. I like to read.”

For Gonzalez, sports have taught him the importance of effort — something he applies in all areas of his life.

“Putting effort into things that you want to achieve,” he said, is one of the most important lessons he’s learned.

While basketball plays a major role in his life now, Gonzalez has long-term goals that reach far beyond the court.

“I see myself finishing high school and my associate’s degree,” he said, confident about the next five years.

His ambitions stretch even further.

“Become a lawyer and get into a good law school,” he said.

When asked what legacy he hopes to leave behind, Gonzalez’s vision is clear.

“I hope to give them a good reputation of people that actually really made it,” he said, referring to his school and team.

With his work ethic, focus and resilience, Gonzalez is already showing what it means to lead by example — whether he’s chasing a fast break or his future in law.