Inspirational Feature By J1 Reporter Isabelle Swanson

Sarah Villarreal squeezes the most out of every minute.

She arrives at Marian before most students have woken up. By 6:30 a.m., she has comfortably secured a spot in upper lot and is already practicing the violin for All-State band in the music room. After that, she either does some homework or attends a meeting for one of the many clubs she participates in.

Villarreal is a member of Robotics Club, SAME (Society of American Military Engineers), Science Club, and Mock Trial. She is also a member of the orchestra pit for the fall musical and a sharp-shooting member of the trap team.

“I can’t imagine not shooting trap,” Villarreal said. During Villarreal’s sophomore year, she won first place at State for ladies singles. Villarreal started the day by shooting 24 of 25 targets, then shooting 50 targets in a row. After that, she competed in playoffs and shot 25 straight to win the gold. The same year, the Marian trap team won first as a team as well. As amazing as it was for Villarreal to win individually, she also loved to win with her friends.

Friends are a huge part of Villarreal’s life. “I love people who can make me laugh. I like to make others laugh, too,” Villarreal said. She noted that her friends are one of the main reasons she stays so involved in all of her extracurricular activities, including band and orchestra.

Villarreal has played the violin for more than eight years, starting in fourth grade. Three years ago, she started to teach herself piano. “Once you know one instrument, learning another isn’t as hard,” Villarreal explained. “I like to play music from the romantic era. I like to listen to all music, really. Everything but smooth jazz. I can’t stand smooth jazz.”

Villarreal has mastered the art of time management. “I don’t like to waste time,” she said. Villarreal always gets her homework done, one way or another. Sometimes that means getting up early to finish up homework. In fact, with musical practices lasting from 6-9 p.m. during the fall, most of her homework is done when the rest of the world is asleep.

Villarreal is clearly extremely driven to perform well in everything she is involved in. She isn’t sure what she wants to do as a career yet, but she is interested in going into the Air Force. She also might go into the medical field. She has researched career options and is seriously considering becoming a surgeon for the Air Force. “I really love America,” Villarreal said. The Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. caught her eye recently, but she is open to different career and school possibilities.

“My philosophy is if you are willing to work hard enough for it, you can do anything,” Villarreal said.

Villarreal isn’t just her incredible work ethic, though. Villarreal is admired by all her friends. “Sarah is very kind-hearted. She is always willing to give to others, whether it be food at lunch or sacrificing her homework time to hang out with friends,” junior Maddie Mingo said.

Finding balance in her busy life is important to her. “She’s fun to be around! She knows when it’s time to work and when it’s time to have fun,” junior Vienna Tang said.

Villarreal makes a lot happen in her 24 hours in each day. If she had another hour in the day, she would without a doubt make good use of it. “Sleep! Sleep. I would definitely sleep if I had an extra hour. I do not get enough sleep,” Villarreal said with a smile.