Whiz Kid: Emily Ly

Name: Emily Ly

Age: 17

School: Clayton Valley High

Accomplishment: Emily Ly doesn't just think about getting things done; she actually makes them happen.

After two years of playing varsity lacrosse and volleyball, maintaining a minimum GPA of 4.0 for six years, being crowned both Homecoming and Junior Prom Queen, and acting as ASB Junior and Senior Class President, it would be an understatement to say she has a lot on her plate.

However, she balances everything with one simple solution — multitasking.  

"I balance all of my commitments by staying focused with what really needs to get done," she says, stating that she also will "study in between breaks" in her schedule. Of course, it doesn't hurt that she shares her desire to succeed with many of her friends, adding that her friends "are very supportive of [her] strenuous schedule because for the most part we all have the same classes...so we help each other out."

But a skill for balancing many activities isn't the only thing holding Emily's life together. She attributes a lot of her success to motivation, overcoming many challenges and difficult situations to become a better person.

"Although there are many things in my life that should hold me back, I motivate myself to be a stronger and more hardworking person," Emily said. "I am understanding because I like to share my personal experiences with others to let them know that they are not alone."

She takes pride in the fact that she can be someone who's easy to talk to, saying she'd like people to know she's there to lend an ear.

Plans for the Future: "My plan for the future is to major in Pharmacy at the University of the Pacific," Emily says, hoping to be accepted at a UC for Engineering as a back-up plan.

To get there, she tries to live her life following the quote:

"You must make your days. Your happenings can create happiness."

Emily's Favorite Hobby: "My favorite hobby would have to be volleyball. The sport is so fun to play and it keeps me active. Its been a tough season for my team, but there are such great girls on the team that we still have fun, no matter what happens."

Advice to Other Students: Emily believes that if you want to succeed, you must accomplish as much as you can, but also keep the little things in mind.  "You only live once," she said. "Enjoy what you have and those around you to spend it with. Stay focused on bettering your education, but don't let the pressure of someone else get you down."