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.
