Eighteen-year-old Leslie James once thought that high school was all about the social scene. Two years ago, when Leslie was a sophomore at Marysville-Pilchuck High School, she had a major realization after receiving her report card for the semester. With grades well below average, she knew something had to change.

"I thought I was too cool for school. I thought school was about your social life, not about grades," Leslie explained.

Since that epiphany, Leslie has chosen to reshape her life and focus on her grades as much as her social life. As the captain of the school's varsity soccer team, president of the DECA club, and an assistant coach to a girls' U-15 recreational soccer team, the socially-active teen had to learn how to prioritize her commitments while improving her grades.

"I think you really have to set priorities and stick to them. It's easy to not do your homework, but you've got to do it because it will be beneficial in the long run," said Leslie. "Do what you have to do."

Now a senior, Leslie is an above-average student, thanks to the hard work she put into her studies these past two years. As the anticipated countdown to graduation begins, she is awaiting an acceptance letter from her first college choice.

"I have applied to Western and hopefully I will get accepted there. I really want to major in business marketing and minor in art and psychology," she said.

Leslie plans to take that degree and move to the Big Apple-New York City--to become an art broker. Her eventual goal is to own an art gallery.

Leslie is a testament to other students her age that self-actualization and hard work can pay off. She recognized the problem she was having and made a commitment to herself to change that behavior. With a strong foundation and disciplined work ethic, Leslie James is well on her way to accomplishing her goals.