[cincopa A4LAD7qvSl_2]
Surgeon hopeful exhibits success
By ANNA MARIE BORIA
The speakers blast as senior Rachel Machado completes another Rock Band level in expert mode, her guilty pleasure when she is not trying to maintain her 4.85 weighted grade point average.
“[My journey to becoming a valedictorian] I would describe to be very dedicated to my school work during 9th and 10th grade. I try to aim higher and higher. A B is not acceptable to me and whatever you do in high school affects you in college so I try to keep that in mind,” Machado said.
Aside from Rock Band, Machado enjoys watching the History Channel, listening to Enrique Iglesias, and describes Health Occupations Students of America as her passion. She competed for HOSA and won 1st place at regionals and 2nd at states for her subject test in human growth and development.
Throughout her high school career, Machado was actively involved in extracurricular activities. She is currently the president of HOSA and French Honor Society. She is also involved in French Club, Math Club, Mu Alpha Theta, National Honor Society and Serendipity Club.
“The one thing I am going to miss the most about high school is the atmosphere. High school is laid back, and you are with people you have known all your life. While college has more pressure and is unfamiliar, and the classes are less personal than in high school,” Machado said.
Her advice to any student dreaming of one day becoming a valedictorian is to never give up and to not slack off especially during junior year, which is the most important grade level because colleges look mainly at one’s junior year.
“[When I found out I was a valedictorian] I was really happy. I felt accomplished and felt I did a good job these four years. I was doing a happy dance,” Machado said.
Machado plans on attending the University of Central Florida with a scholarship of $900 from the school, to become a surgeon. She is considering specializing but is still unsure in what area.
“[Knowing that all my hard work has paid off is] fulfilling, I feel a sense of relief, [I feel] happy that I did all I could and was successful,” Machado said.
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