Balancing academics, creativity, and leadership isn’t easy, yet Yamil Paz, a 10th-grader at Jimmy Carter High School, handles it with quiet confidence.
As a student preparing to serve in the student council, Yamil said he approaches challenges by organizing his priorities and staying composed under pressure. His intelligence and creativity, along with a strong sense of responsibility, help him thrive in both the classroom and student government.
He said encouragement from his friends and family inspired him to run for Class of 2028 president.
“They believed I would make a great leader, so I decided to take their advice and run,” he said.
That advice gave him the confidence to seek the position, which he said requires both communication and organizational skills. He believes he is performing well so far and is committed to learning more about teamwork.
“I’ve been learning how to communicate with the team, and I’ve figured out what works and doesn’t work,” Yamil said.
Managing his schoolwork while holding a leadership position is not always easy, he said, but prioritizing academics helps him stay on track.
He said he focuses on finishing assignments before turning his attention to student council. Because he doesn’t typically receive large amounts of homework, he finds balancing both roles manageable.
When it comes to organization, Yamil said he prefers a simple system.
“I just make a list of things I need to do in my head and get them done by importance,” he said.
A former teacher, Mrs. Valle, introduced him to the idea of using a planner, and he said the habit helped improve his productivity.
“I wouldn’t describe myself as an organized individual. However, I get things done nevertheless,” he said.
Yamil also said he manages to stay calm under pressure—something he believes sets him apart.
“I’m an optimist. Nothing really gets to me nowadays,” he said.
Through past experiences, he said he has learned to manage stress and maintain a positive attitude, which helps him take on challenges with confidence.
One of his most memorable leadership moments came during a digital animation project for BLA. Though the project was individual, he said it taught him important lessons in time management and creative thinking.
“I had never animated at that scale before,” he said.
Despite his lack of experience, he took on the challenge and completed the project in a week. His hard work paid off, and he said the experience inspired him to continue pursuing digital animation through UIL competitions.
“It was something fun, and I plan to do something similar again,” he said.
By the end of the interview, Yamil came across as both determined and humble. His ability to reflect, adapt and lead has made a positive impression on peers and teachers alike.
As he put it, “Overall, I am glad that you decided to interview me, and I appreciate it deeply.”
