By Donavin Luong
When Senior Christine Garcia first joined Baron Banner, she hoped the program would help her sharpen her writing skills. What began as a practical decision quickly also became a rewarding experience, one that pushed her to grow not only as a writer but also as a student willing to take on challenges despite having a heavy workload.
Beyond the newsroom, Garcia finds fulfillment in activities that allow her to explore her passions and give back to her community. Such as Model United Nations (MUN) and PALS, two programs that help showcase her love of debating and her dedication to supporting student mental health. Debating once felt intimidating to her, but over time, Garcia grew more confident in her ability to speak up and hold her ground. Those experiences have shaped her aspirations for the future, where she hopes to study law with a particular interest in international law.
“Failing is a part of life, and it gets you from one point to another. Even if you fail, at least you can take something from it,” Garcia said.
That philosophy of growth also influenced the way she approached her daily life. Recently, Garcia made the deliberate decision to delete social media apps from her phone, cutting down her screen time significantly. Instead of spending her time endlessly scrolling, she spends more time reading and reflecting. The shift has helped her focus better, find balance, and prioritize the things that matter most.
“Just get comfortable with being uncomfortable. That’s the hardest thing that I learned, because I’m such a perfectionist,” Garcia said.
Her inspiration comes from someone close to her heart: her mother. Garcia admires her mother’s resilience and determination, crediting her for her source of strength and confidence throughout her high school journey.
Looking ahead, Garcia plans to carry these lessons into her college and career. She understands that growth comes from discomfort and perseverance, and she has also learned to welcome those challenges rather than avoid them. For Garcia, success isn’t about shortcuts, it’s about learning, adapting, and staying resilient.