Sheyla Madera
District GPA: 8.3231 State GPA: 3.883100
When did you find out you are your class salutatorian? How did you react?
I first found out I was salutatorian in my second semester of junior year when my friend and I went to pick up our student summaries to register for dual enrollment courses. These student summaries held our ranks and that is when I saw that I was ranked 2nd out of 554 students. Later, my position was confirmed at my school’s senior breakfast, and it felt surreal. It still feels surreal, but I am grateful to be able to experience this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
What is something you wish you knew about high school before entering as a freshman?
I wish I had known how to balance my academic life and my personal life. I was so worried about meeting expectations and focusing on doing the best I could in school, that I forgot to live my life just a bit. Enjoy your high school years. School is important, but your life should not revolve around school 24/7. You only live once and your teenage years do not last forever.
What is your favorite high school memory?
Definitely, my favorite high school memory is talking with my two amazing friends Jannet and Sherwin. I have known Jannet since middle school and met Sherwin during my freshman year. They are both amazing people who can make me laugh even if I am feeling down. I love these two with my whole heart and I cannot wait to see where life takes them.
What is the most important lesson you learned from a teacher or another student while in high school?
I have learned not to give up, even when you are faced with an obstacle. They taught me to be persistent with what I want to achieve because at the end of the day, it is either you tried or you got it, which is better than saying you gave up.
What extracurricular activities did you participate in? What was your favorite and why?
During my four years in high school, I joined multiple clubs such as Letters for Rose, Relay for Life, AVID, and SGA. The ones that I stuck with for more than a year were the National Honor Society and Key Club. I was secretary for both of these clubs, but my favorite club would have to be Key Club. Key Club not only offered many community service opportunities, but the members were amazing. They were always energetic, making the meetings and the community service hours entertaining.
What are your plans after high school and your career goals?
I am planning to attend the University of Florida and join their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. From there, I will work in the medical field for three years before going back to school for my master’s to either be a Labor and Delivery nurse or a CRNA, I am still undecided.
What advice would you give students to help them improve their grades?
Persistence and motivation are what is needed to improve your grades. Do not do it to satisfy others, but for yourself. Make yourself proud and show yourself that you are capable of doing great things if you focus on unlocking your full potential. You got this; it will all pay off in the end.