Do you find yourself struggling to keep a positive mindset? Well, Sophia Bassett has some tips for you. “In a negative atmosphere I always like to think on the bright side, because there always is one.”

Sophia is a student, a cheerleader, and a role model. Last year she tried hard to make the McC cheer team, but it was not in God’s plan for her. So, over the summer and throughout this year she is consistently at Woodlands Elite training hard to get her spot on the upcoming team. She has a goal that she is determined to achieve. I started to wonder, “How does she balance cheer and school?”

Well, Sophia has a very mature answer to this. She says, “I get most of my work done at school leaving time for cheer at home. I do not procrastinate my work and aim to get things done as soon as they are assigned.” This is a very helpful tip when balancing school and athletics. “If you work hard, good things will come.” Sophia is very committed to the idea of working hard and the reward will follow in the future.

I asked Sophia how she feels when life gets tough for her. She said, “When life gets tough, I think of people that have it worse.” And this couldn’t be truer. When life seems hard or like stones are being thrown your way, think of someone who has it 100 times worse. People are suffering in poverty, going through war, or even hard mental battles. Does our one failing grade really compared to that?

Sophia’s determination, hard work ethic, and strong characteristics really make her a good role model at McC. Through her pain she finds courage, through her lows she perseveres. We should all look to Sophia when life gets tough, or when we just need motivation.