The Scoop

        Pachas are known for being holistic girls; we not only focus on having excellent academics, but we also focus on helping society and leaving our footprints wherever we go. Since little, we have always been taught to do things that make us happy and proud of our accomplishments. Whether it is a sport, an instrument, or a volunteering organization, students from every grade at school participate in these activities in order to find their passions.

 

        People might think that 10th graders, the juniors, do not have a life outside of school since this grade has the reputation of being challenging due to the amount of homework, preparation for standardized tests, and preparation for life after high school; however, this is not the case. Many girls are passionate about helping communities and growing artistically, while others have their heads in the game with their preferred sport.

 

        Many people consider golf just a hobby, but when it is played in a competitive level, the game changes. People have to develop a better technique and physical condition in this uncommon sport. Sofia Carrizosa, a student from 10°C, has been playing golf ever since she was little due to the influence from her dad’s side of the family. Although it has not been an easy road since she feels that it takes many things away from her life, she enjoys this sport because it has helped her improve her patience, physical condition, time management skills, and her persistence when it comes to doing different things. Sofia currently plays at “Club Militar de Golf”, where she hopes to win a scholarship for her future.

 

        On the other hand, Catalina Zamora, from 10°C, started riding horses when she was around 5 years old, but began doing horseback riding when she was 6 years old at the “Escuela de Caballeria del Ejército”. When she turned 12, Catalina’s mom got her a horse named Harry Potter with whom she started competing. At first, their relationship was not the best, but their bond grew, and Harry Potter helped her achieve first place in last year’s national ranking. Throughout her horseback riding life, Catalina has had many teachers who have given valuable lessons and the opportunity to fall in love with the sport. She likes that it helps her face her fears, develop a relationship with her horse, and learn to relax and control her feelings. Catalina dislikes very few things because she believes that if you focus on the negative aspects, then you will not be a successful rider. In the future she would like to own a country house to live with her horses, become a professional rider, compete internationally, and not last in importance, to succeed with her horse Bogdasha which she practically raised.

 

        Last but not least, Sofia Contreras, from 10°C has been doing competitive swimming for over 4 years. When she was little, she used to swim only during the weekends; however, she did not like it that much. Later on, she began swimming during the weekdays and her times and technique improved, making her more motivated to pursue this sport. What she really loves about this sport is that when she is in the water, Sofia leaves all her worries behind. The only things that matter at that moment are being strong in order to push your body to do its best. As she says, “swimming is a sport where you are against yourself. It is not about winning the person on the next lane, it is about improving your own times”.

 

        As you can see, girls from all over school are involved in various activities where they develop their passions. No matter the academic pressure they feel or the duties they have to fulfill with, they still find time to develop as a holistic person in order to develop skills that might help them in the future and help them make an impact in our society.