Meet Alex Pacheco, a high school senior who is involved in 12 clubs and extracurricular activities. She is also a straight-A student and is ranked in the top 1% of her class.
Pacheco, who is cut from a different cloth, was born with a desire to explore and connect. Throughout her journey, she has immersed herself in a staggering 17 extracurriculars during high school. Now, with 12 active involvements, her story unfolds as a testament to the pursuit of passion. “I joined a lot of clubs to just to kind of see what fit and what I was comfortable with and what I wanted to be in throughout high school,” she shares. What began as an introduction swiftly transformed into a deeply rooted attachment to her various pursuits. Balancing all these commitments requires her to have meticulous planning. “I make lots and lots of lists; I make lots of checklists,” Pacheco reveals. Her organizational prowess lies in prioritizing daily tasks and orchestrating responsibilities for the clubs she leads. Calendars, planners and checklists pave her way, ensuring no detail goes unnoticed.
Beyond the surface, Pacheco is fueled by the impact on individuals. “At the end of the day, these are individuals you are working with,” she asserts. For her, relationships take precedence, and she cherishes each club member as a unique contributor. Her philosophy of personalized engagement drives her leadership, particularly evident within her role with the HOPE (Hispanic Organization Promoting Education) organization. To her, it’s more than just a club, it’s a canvas for forging memories and personal growth.
Achievements decorate Pacheco’s journey, but one shines especially bright: her triumph at BetaCon. With an air of excitement, she recounts “I won state 2 years in a row and got 4 in the nation my freshmen year.” Her persistence can only be reflected by her dedication to excellence. Pacheco aspires to help her community as best as possible at a top level. “I want to work with my community, to provide resources for underprivileged people,” she affirms. Once again Pacheco’s dedication to her work shone brightly during Black History Month. She and her club members set up and ran the school’s Black History Month fair Vice President Jocelyne Cruz affirmed, “The previous day Alex worked from around 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. and continued to finish up work when she got home till 12 a.m.” Pacheco’s commitment to the fair was evident in the way she organized and executed the event. She worked tirelessly to ensure that it was a success, and her efforts were appreciated by all who attended.
All of Pacheco’s accomplishments are a testament to her resilience. Her faith guides her through setbacks, as she affirms, “I talk to God and then he’ll let me know what needs to be done.” Supported by her parents and mentors, she stands unwavering, a beacon of positivity in problem solving. In the midst of Pacheco’s bright journey, she stands as a source of inspiration, reminding us all that every involvement, every endeavor is an opportunity to make the most of our experiences. Although Pacheco’s plans for the future are still uncertain, she is clear about her passion for helping her community. Her involvement in law and her internship at Sur Legal Collaborative lay the groundwork for an impactful journey in the future. She is considering a career in law or social worker, but she is also open to other possibilities. She knows that she wants to work to improve the lives of underprivileged people, and she is confident that she will find a way to make a difference. Pacheco is a stellar example of what can be accomplished when you have an aspiration and you are willing to work hard to achieve it.
