[slideshow_deploy id=’84086′]With a supportive family, dedication, determination and a good textbook, Isabella Braga reached the top of the class.
Her family and friends have been a big part of her success.
“My family came from very little and they’ve always contributed 150 percent to help me succeed. I’m just doing my part in the family by working to make them proud,” Braga said.
Braga’s friends have also helped her to by understanding her need to work hard.
“[My greatest struggle is] finding time to be human. I often didn’t sleep and felt depressed; my friends know that I’m a hard worker, not a natural brain, and had to work with me to find time to hang out,” Braga said.
Proud of her achievements on campus, Braga states that her attendance to Girls Nation was one of her most formative experiences of her life. She is grateful to her teachers in the Law magnet for prepping her for that event.
Not all classes were easy for Braga, Dr. Terri Tachon’s AP Calculus AB most challenged her. Braga admits to being easily distracted when it comes to studying and uses a lot of willpower to stay on task.
“I learned to write down her examples and to quiz myself on them nightly. Gradual memorization trumps cramming, kids,” Braga said.
Braga participated in activities such as, Student Government, Mock Trial, Key Club, Model United Nations, GSA, Spanish Club, Spanish Honor Society, Interact Club, National Honor Society, Mere Words Book Club and Quiz Bowl.
Braga’s advice for underclassmen is to keep a planner, join clubs, do not fight with your friends or partners and keep the end-game in mind.
Braga is interested in majoring in political science and government. She credits Boone’s Law Magnet, Girls State and Girls Nation with teaching her a love for law and government.
“I love political science and government, I always have. I plan to be a judge and political science will be something that I’ll wake up every morning eager to study,” Braga said.
Braga plans to attend Rollins College after she graduates.