She begins her day just as any other Columbus School student would; snoozing the alarm, eating breakfast, and heading to school, are as much part of Manuela’s life as they are of any other person’s. However, her academic performance makes her life different from that of any other student.

Manuela Betancourt is an 11th-grade student who has always been what some people call the exemplary: always on-task, focused and doing what a student is supposed to. Apart from her excellent behavior, she is part of an astonishing amount of school extracurriculars like COSMUN, GIN, Buddies, and NHS. After all, Manuela is still a normal girl so time management between school, exercise and social life is essential for her.

When the bell rings

Amongst different electives, the Columbus school offers students the opportunity to enroll in several Advanced Placement (AP) courses. AP classes are college-level courses, requiring higher levels of academic performance and discipline. It is no surprise Manuela is enrolled in not one but three AP classes: AP Physics, AP English Language and Composition, and AP Calculus.

However, not only is Manuela known for her commitment and dedication, it is also her unique work that makes her stand out. Andrew Ambron, Manuela’s 10th grade English teacher, discussed her performance commenting how, “[She] is a very impressive student; she takes her studies very seriously and she is very dedicated to always try her best and put forward the best product on whatever unit we were working on.”

Since her freshmen year, Manuela has proven herself to be an exemplary student. Last year, she was appointed Sub-secretary general for COSMUN, one of the biggest challenges she’s ever faced. Ricardo Perez, an 11th grader and active COSMUN participant, shared his opinion on Manuela as sub-secretary.

“I have known Manuela for a long time, and I know that [she] knows what she is doing in COSMUN .”

Still, Manuela remains an ordinary girl and finding a balance between school and other activities is difficult to deal with.

When the buses leave

Managing three AP courses has not been easy. When asked about her AP’s Manuela revealed, “It is a lot of [work] time because three AP’s are certainly not easy.” This means she does not always get as much free time as she wants, but still tries to compensate.

Having a life outside of school is crucial for every teenager, Manuela is no exception. Antonia Velasquez (11th grade), one of Manuela’s best friends, disclosed more of her personality outside of school.

“Since a few years ago Manuela has been one of my best friends. Outside of school she is a completely different person when she is with me and the rest of our friends. She forgets her responsibilities she is an extremely funny person and a pleasure to be around.”

Another one of her best friends, Tatiana Botero (11th grade) added how, “as a friend she is really great she is like any other friend. I spend time with her I laugh with her and tell her stuff about me, and in school she is one of the biggest supports that I have she is a really great student and whenever I need her she is there to help me.”

“Even though I do get good grades and I do work extremely hard, at the end of the day it is still me. I’m still a teenager and I have to go through all the things teenagers do” said Betancourt.