When highlighting students who demonstrate a strong commitment to academic excellence, Micheal Vargas (12) stands out. 

As a senior enrolled in multiple advanced placement courses, he has continually challenged himself throughout his high school career while maintaining a clear focus on his future aspirations. 

Rather than participating in traditional extracurricular activities such as sports, Vargas dedicates much of his time outside of school to rest and focused study. He believes that maintaining balance and allowing himself time to recharge has played an important role in his academic success. 

“Balancing challenging coursework has taught me the value of rest. By catching up on sleep after school, I’m able to stay focused, organized, and ahead in my classes” he said. 

When asked about the most challenging course he is taking, Vargas pointed to AP Calculus as the hardest subject. He explained that the fast pace and depth of the material require constant focus and practice making it a demanding but rewarding class. 

“AP Calculus is tough, but I appreciate the class because it allowed me to grow academically and push me to think differently, and improve my problem solving skills,” he said. 

With these skills, Vargas hopes to pursue a career in civil engineering with the goal of one day working for NASA. He is interested in designing structures that can withstand extreme conditions and contribute to future space exploration. 

“I want to pursue a career in engineering because I find both space and how things are built fascinating, and working in an environment like NASA would allow me to combine those interests,” he said. 

As graduation approaches, Vargas is preparing to take the next step in his academic journey by heading to the University of San Francisco, where he plans to continue pursuing his passion for engineering. 

With clear goals and a strong work ethic, Vargas looks forward to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.