Academic, athletic, and artistic are all words that describe junior Emma Sheets. Throughout her years at La Salle, Emma has challenged herself, and excelled in each of these areas, while still managing to find time for other activities with friends and family.

Emma didn’t know what to expect coming into her junior year, but she was mainly nervous about the workload she would face while taking three advanced courses: Honors Chemistry, AP Calculus and Honors Spanish 3. However, this year so far has been “better than expected,” she said, because “I’ve been managing my time better.”

“Getting my homework done and keeping my priorities straight” is what Emma says helps keep her grades up, which is impressive considering all the other activities she participates in.

Since her freshman year, Emma has been competing on the track team at La Salle, doing hurdles, long jump, and javelin. She works hard even in the off season, making sure to work out at least three times a week in order to stay strong for the track season.

Art has always been a part of Emma’s life, and it shows by the amazing work she has created. Emma has been taking art as her elective for three years now and also does it outside of class in her free time. She also enjoys playing the piano and takes lessons once a week. Emma says she likes art because “it’s a way to help relax myself.”

Along with art, Emma is currently taking the new personal wellness and stress reduction online class. Emma likes this class more than her others because “the work is very manageable and we get to explore things about our health.” The class that Emma says challenges her the most is AP Calculus.

For college, Emma is unsure of where she wants to go, but says that she would like to explore either engineering or graphic design. Engineering interests her because she is good at math and science, and says environmental engineering is most appealing to her because she would love to work with the environment. Graphic design is also something that intrigues Emma because of her passion for art, and she has already shadowed a graphic designer in Portland.

“Try not to procrastinate,” is Emma’s advice to other students, “and don’t overstretch or overcommit yourself.”