Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) Early College Academy senior Charlene Esteban Vazquez was nominated for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, considered one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students.
Only 40 students from North Carolina were selected for the prestigious honor, based on their academic achievements, personal characteristics, leadership abilities, and service activities.
Esteban Vazquez answered questions about her nomination, her academic journey, and her plans for the future.
How does it make you feel to be one of only 40 students in North Carolina to be nominated for the US Presidential Scholars Program?
I was thrilled when I received the invitation to apply for the program. I’ve put a lot of effort into my school and extracurricular activities, and it’s such an honor to be recognized.
Part of the application process required you to write two essays: one about leadership and the other about overcoming challenges. Explain a little about each one.
My first essay was in regards to participating in the Tutor Guild at ECA. Through the guild, I have been able to tutor students in various subjects, such as sociology, math, and high school chemistry. One of the most significant lessons I learned from the experience, is that everyone has different learning styles, and how to make adjustments to keep them engaged.
The second essay was about overcoming challenges as a child. When I was younger, I didn’t speak much English and that was very isolating. Then, while shadowing a cardiologist for about a year, as I walked around the facility I noticed non-English speaking patients having difficulty communicating about their medical needs and healthcare. That’s when I decided to earn a certification as an interpreter. I knew the certification would help me as an OB/GYN to communicate with my non-English speaking patients.
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program looks not only at academic achievements but also at personal characteristics, leadership skills, and service activities. Your academic achievements speak for themselves, so of the other three criteria what do you think made you stand out?
One thing I believe that made me stand out is my involvement in the Interact Club, which focuses on providing students with different volunteering opportunities. I've been the president of the club for two years and was the secretary during my sophomore year.
I’m also the founder of the First Generation Club at ECA. As a first-generation college student myself, the club gives others like me a space to share experiences.
Where would you like to attend college? What do you plan to major in and why?
I have applied to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) and I plan to major in Obstetrics. There are three reasons I chose this area of study. One is that I love the surgical side of obstetrics and being hands-on. The second reason is the one-on-one patient care aspect. The last reason I want to be an OB/GYN is that babies are adorable and helping more babies come into the world is great!
Being a student at Early College Academy requires a lot of discipline because you are taking high school and college courses. How do you feel being in the academy has prepared you for your future?
The academy has prepared me for the future in several ways. One way is that because I was immersed in a challenging environment so early in my academic career I had to develop my time management skills. Another thing the school has taught me is that it’s ok to ask for help. The teachers here teach so well and are here to help all of the students. Also, everyone has the same mindset, which has helped me push forward with my goals.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Ten years from now I hope to have completed schooling and have become an OB/GYN or, at least in residency. I also plan to continue spending time with my family. They are very important to me, and have supported me every step of the way.