Ever since sophomore Rachel Sison was little, she has been a leader and has wanted to make a difference. Between participating in STEM and playing volleyball, Sison’s talents go beyond the “Student-Athlete” expectations. However, her involvement isn’t limited to only STEM and volleyball. Sison is also an active member in Dance Marathon, played soccer her freshman year, and attends a three week leadership camp called Civic Leadership Institute at Northwestern University over the summer. At the camp, she does service work with shelters, food pantries, and daycare centers. Being involved in and out of the school is very important to Sison, and she wants to continue doing so.

From the first day of her freshman year, Sison knew that she wanted to be involved in as much as possible here at West, always with the thought of college in her mind. “I believe that the activities I am participating in do in fact prepare me for college. I believe that I thrive more academically when I am busy all the time, so the more involvement the better,” Sison said.

As a sophomore, Sison has a great deal of difficult classes, but would say her favorite is chemistry. “I like it because it’s challenging, and I have always had a passion for science,” Sison admitted.

All of her hard work in high school so far is in hope to go into a career in the field of science.

Sison is interested in Marine Biology, and not only wants to take AP Biology and AP Environmental Science her senior year, but hopes to continue on to major in the subject. “My college goals are California schools and a couple of southeast schools that have great science programs. I’m interested in the field of Marine Biology, and living on the pacific coast is an ideal place to live if I want to be a Marine biologist. Also, I can’t deal with the constant cold weather in Chicago,” Sison said.

There’s no doubt that Sison’s busy schedule calls for her to have an important person in her life to help her get through all of life’s hardships. “My main role model is my mom. She taught me to overcome some of the hardest times in my life so far, and she’s the strongest person I know,” Sison said.

Even with a busy schedule, Sison makes sure to save time for friends and family.

“Rachel is the type of person who is always there for you no matter what the situation is,” said friend and sophomore Jenna George.

Outside of school, Sison’s favorite thing to do is play volleyball. She was on the team here at West as a freshman and sophomore, and plans to tryout next year as a junior as well. Sison has also played club volleyball since eighth grade, aside from this year. “Although I am not playing club this year, I will do whatever I can to play with friends or even the boys teams; anything to get touches on the ball,” said Sison.

If there is one thing that Sison believes most, it is to always “go the extra mile”  and do your very best in life. “Always do more than what you are limited to, and try to exceed others’ expectations,” she said.