For many students, a schedule full of juggling academics, music, leadership, and sports isn’t a challenge they are willing to take on. However, for soon-to-be senior, Ava Landeen, this is a daily reality. With a busy agenda including varsity team, orchestra, National Honor Society, and managing the boys’ soccer team, she has impressively found a way to not only balance her extracurriculars but also grow from them as well.
Ava has been involved with extracurriculars since the third grade when she started swimming competitively. The following year, she began playing the violin. Over the years, her music has become more than just a hobby, but a way for her to express herself freely. “Orchestra has become one of my biggest outlets when I’m having a stressful day,” she shared. “Being able to set it all down for at least an hour and play the violin is a gift.” While her time in orchestra has come with its ups and downs, her passion for the experience of working in an ensemble, along with music and making it, has kept her going.
This year, she reached a major milestone by earning a spot in the orchestra regionals for the violin. This was her favorite part of her musical career thus far, and it served as an honor, leaving her with a sense of appreciation for what she does. “I had never really experienced being in that big of an ensemble,” she says, “so to be a part of it, it was really special, and I plan to do it again next year, and go all the way to state for it!”
For Ava, the biggest challenge has been building her confidence as a player. At the beginning of this year, she underestimated her abilities and had to work hard to overcome this mindset. While she acknowledges there are still areas she would like to improve, securing a spot at the regional level was a helpful reminder that she is capable.
Outside of music, she is involved with Sahuaro in numerous other areas. A varsity swimmer and soccer team manager since her freshman year, Ava has shown her dedication to the school’s athletic programs. This year, she joined the National Honor Society and quickly began her journey into leadership. Next year, she will proudly serve as vice president.
On top of her school activities, she works part-time as a lifeguard. This can make her schedule feel overwhelming at times, but it has taught her important time management skills. “The biggest thing is making a checklist and dedicating certain times for certain things,” Ava informed. “If you space it out and plan your day, it really helps.”
When she needs motivation, she often turns to her friends. While for others it may sound counterintuitive, for Ava, hanging out with friends when she has too much on her plate is a way to destress. Her best friend Ava Soto, helps her to stay focused on school work and is one of her biggest supporters. Along with this, she draws inspiration from her peers in music and finds something admirable in everyone in the band and orchestra.
Once graduated from Sahauro, Ava is set on attending the University of Arizona for nursing. She has a passion for the medical field and may consider furthering her education in the future to become a neurologist or an anesthesiologist. Regardless of what her future career holds, she plans to continue to play the violin and swim for a club while in college.
