Balancing School, Service, and Advocacy

One of the questions I am asked most often is, "How do you do it all?"

The truth is, I don't always have it figured out.

Like many teenagers, my days are filled with classes, homework, extracurricular activities, family commitments, and trying to spend time with friends. Add in speaking engagements, volunteer work, advocacy projects, and preparing for Miss Texas' Teen, and some days can feel very busy.

But over the years, I have learned that balance isn't about doing everything perfectly.

It's about focusing on what matters most.

As a student at Rouse High School, academics have always been important to me. I challenge myself in the classroom and work hard to maintain strong grades while participating in activities that help me grow as a leader.

I serve as Community Service Director for Student Council, am a Varsity Cheer Captain, and participate in the Superintendent's Student Advisory Council. Each role has taught me something different about leadership, teamwork, and service.

Outside of school, much of my time is dedicated to Giving Grace: Advocating for Caregiving Youth.

Whether I am speaking to a community organization, participating in a conference, working with advocacy partners, or preparing a presentation, I am constantly reminded why this mission matters.

People sometimes assume advocacy is something that only happens during big events or public speaking engagements.

In reality, advocacy often happens in small moments.

It happens when I share information with a teacher.

It happens when I talk with another student who has caregiving responsibilities at home.

It happens when I answer questions from community members who want to learn more about Caregiving Youth.

Those conversations may seem small, but they create awareness, and awareness creates change.

One of the biggest lessons I've learned is the importance of time management.

There are only so many hours in a day, and I've learned that saying yes to one opportunity sometimes means saying no to another.

That can be difficult.

But it has taught me how to prioritize the commitments that align most closely with my goals and values.

I've also learned the importance of asking for help.

No one accomplishes anything meaningful alone.

Behind every presentation, event, project, and accomplishment are family members, teachers, mentors, directors, and friends who have encouraged me along the way.

Their support allows me to continue pursuing the things that matter most to me.

Perhaps the most important lesson I've learned is that you don't have to choose between being a student, a leader, an advocate, or a teenager.

You can be all of those things.

I still enjoy spending time with friends, attending football games, cheering on the sidelines, traveling with family, and making memories that every teenager deserves to have.

Advocacy is part of who I am, but it is not the only part.

In many ways, being involved in school activities, leadership opportunities, and community service has made me a stronger advocate. Each experience helps me better understand the challenges and opportunities facing young people today.

As I prepare for Miss Texas' Teen and continue growing Giving Grace, I know there will be busy days ahead.

There will be early mornings.

There will be late nights.

There will be moments when balancing everything feels difficult.

But there will also be opportunities to make a difference.

And that makes every challenge worthwhile.

At the end of the day, I remind myself that balance isn't about perfection.

It's about purpose.

When your activities align with your values, even the busiest days become meaningful.

And for me, there is no greater purpose than helping Caregiving Youth feel seen, heard, and supported.