Accent

Hard work is route to success

Amy White, 18, is one of 99 graduating seniors at San Manuel High School. Unwilling to settle for an easy route through high school, White has worked hard to excel. "I wanted to go for it," she said. "I pushed myself to take honors and AP courses, and then I realized I could do it, and I became more confident. I'm proud that I didn't take the easy way out." Her efforts have paid off: White has a 3.88 GPA. She plans to attend the University of Arizona, where she has a tuition waiver, and become a pediatrician. "I've always had an interest in biology," she said. "I always have wanted to know how things work, like why your heart pumps." White has worked on weekends as a soccer and basketball referee to earn money for her future education. She also is applying for financial aid and plans to work during her college years. White knows that she is fortunate compared to many others, despite her family's often tight finances. "There are always people in the world who have less," she said. "It's important to give back." She has put her philosophy into action for the past two years by reaching out to younger students through a mentoring program called WeM.A.T.C.H., which stands for "we mentor, acknowledge, tutor, connect with, and help kids," she said. She spends several hours a week mentoring fourth- through sixth-grade students who are having trouble in school. Each session is two hours long. "I told a student I was mentoring that I'd take her out to dinner if she made 100 in spelling - and she did," said White. "Her grades really improved. Her mom said her whole attitude about school has changed now. I get a lot of satisfaction from helping her. Your mentoree becomes a major part of your life. I didn't realize the bond I'd form with her; she is almost like a sister." White, a member of the National Honor Society, has been an active participant in its food and blood drives. The members' efforts have made a difference. "Last year, we won the banner from the Red Cross for having such a high turnout of blood donors," she said. The teen will carry into her future life what has worked so well for her to date: "I try to be very dedicated," she said.