Stepping out of your comfort zone can create positive change.
For Coram Deo Academy senior Jenny Benavides, this happened last year when she received an important request from a friend regarding a CDA sports team.
“I chose to sign up for softball,” Benavides said. “I initially decided to do this because one of the players had told me that they didn’t have enough players to make a team, and they needed all the help they could get.”
The Coram Deo senior, who also participates in Yearbook, Film Club and Theater was rightfully reticent about her new endeavor.
“Let me preface this by saying I knew next to nothing about softball,” Benavides said. “I didn’t know the rules. I didn’t know the positions. I remember feeling anxious about joining, and wondering if my lack of experience would ruin this experience.”
Benavides, 17, who has also been a member of the Science Club, Robotics Club, National Junior Classical League, JV Volleyball team, and the Alfred Cup Debate, said despite her reluctance, adding softball to the mix turned out to be a great experience.
“Joining softball was one of my favorite parts of that year,” Benavides said. “I made new friends, laughed more than I ever expected, and made some great memories in the dugout and on the field.”
Benavides added that her school’s environment, from the teachers and coaches to a prevailing philosophy of fellowship at CDA, helps inspire its students to get involved and do what they can to make Coram Deo Academy a better place.
“The best part of attending Coram Deo Academy is how accessible everything is,” Benavides said. “If you want help on an assignment, the teachers constantly make themselves available to help their students. If you want to try a completely new sport, all you have to do is sign up to become part of a team. If you want to join a club, they are more likely asking for members than turning people away.
“If you are hungry, there are definitely apple slices left over from hot lunch. Coram Deo may not have an enormous amount of resources, but it makes do with what it has by making itself available to any student and their interests.”
Benavides carries a 4.0 grade point average and plans to attend either Texas A&M University, Abilene Christian University or Baylor University and major in engineering.
Benavides’ Favorites
Favorite Subject: Science
Person Who Most Inspires Me: Lin-Manuel Miranda
Favorite Food: Homemade Chex Mix
Favorite Movies: Arrival and Ratatouille
Favorite TV Show: LOST
Last Book Read: The Illustrated Man by Ray Bradbury
Favorite Performers: The McElroy Brothers
Nominate your favorite high school student for this monthly feature brought to you by Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Flower Mound by emailing [email protected].
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