Julio-Cesar (JC) is an interesting man who strives in the category of math specifically, as he scored a perfect 800 on the math section of the SAT. JC is a dual threat student as he has passed every AP exam he has ever taken and has amassed a career being a basketball player. JC has always been the head honcho of his age; he’s accomplished so many things that are unbelievable as he’s only the age of 16. The potential is oozing out of him, as he can do and be whatever he dreams to be due to his unimaginable desire and hard work. I’ve had the grand opportunity to my question him about what goes on in his busy life.
How are you so exemplary in the category of math?
I might have some natural ability towards it, but it really just comes down to a willingness to think about and fully understand the problems your teacher gives you, even and especially when the problem is challenging. It is more about being mentally tough and resilient than about being “smart”. It is more of an emotional quality than an intellectual one. I am ambitious with anything I do, not just academic stuff.
What motivates you as a student?
Ambition. It is the same thing that motivates me to do anything; it’s like I’m hungry to conquer things.
What is a stress reliever for you?
There are a couple of things that calm my stress down and that would be playing my guitar, playing basketball, playing with my dog, and just chilling with my close friends.
What role has basketball played in your life?
I love playing basketball, and it has taught me important life lessons. It’s taught me how to focus even when you’re nervous and to ignore doubt. It has taught me discipline. It is just something that I enjoy doing and something that has taught me life lessons. My coaches have helped me progress a young teen throughout the years and I feel that this sport has taught me to be humble and motivated.
What is your dream school?
Although I don’t have a dream school, I do want to go to a prestigious school. To find out which one, I want to form more of an idea of what I want to do, and then select the university that will best support that career choice. Otherwise, it would be just like throwing darts in the dark– whatever I choose is not really based off of anything.
What’s your optimal study location?
Organized people have a specific study location where they can go to and focus, but I don’t. I probably should, but I just do my best to block out distractions in whatever area I am studying in.
How do you parents feel about your accomplishments?
I think they’re proud. They’ll tell me good job and stuff whenever I do accomplish something big. Their love and happiness far outweigh the struggles of school. I want to impress them any and everywhere I can.
Who is your role model and why?
My role model is and always will be my dad. I want to become someone like him in many regards. He is a complete man who lives his life to the fullest and always puts my family first. The bond that I and he have can never be broken.
JC plans to make his junior year the best year yet, he hopes to figure out which schools he sees himself applying too and calling home while he gets ready for basketball season and more tests to come flying his way. There is something unique about this man, maybe it’s his humbleness and integrity or it’s his endless talent that is proven by being a musician, athlete, scholar and an amazing person. Only time will tell how much potential he will capitalize off of.