HARLINGEN — Carlos Torres has been a devoted student for so long, the end result isn’t his first priority.
“I think I am just a very disciplined person,” said Carlos, who is this year’s valedictorian at Harlingen High School South.
He spoke matter-of-factly about the work ethic which propelled him to the top of his class.
“My entire life has been so focused on being an excellent student I don’t pay attention to the ultimate reward,” said Carlos, 18.
He had to stop before he remembered his GPA, “something like 4.888.”
A similar case presents itself with Thiffany Yeupell, salutatorian for Harlingen High School South.
She had become a serious student by the time she entered the Dr. Abraham P. Cano Freshman Academy. Her year was going well. She didn’t realize how well until one day when she received some unexpected news.
“During the first year at Cano I just studied and did not pay attention to my GPA or anything like that,” Thiffany said. “It came off as a complete surprise once I learned I was considered number 2 at that time.
“I did start working toward salutatorian. I tried not to drop my GPA. I tried to perform my best in all my assignments and all my tests.”
Thiffany had to balance varsity tennis with her studies at home and sometimes didn’t finish until late. Curiously, Carlos didn’t have to study as much. He himself seemed somewhat perplexed about his academic talent.
“What happens is, usually when the teacher presents the material in class, I simply just have a pretty good grasp of memorization,” he said. “I can’t really explain how it works so much that some things I take by intuition.”
At this point Thiffany spoke more in depth about her study routine.
“I do not have the great photographic memory that Carlos does,” she said. “I do have to study. I also prepare little review sessions. It’s always constant for me.”
Carlos was quick to clarify.
“I don’t consider myself a savant,” he said. “I do have to study myself. I don’t think you should forsake something like that. If there’s something that stumps you, as has happened to me before, then go ahead and study that.”
In spite of the marked differences in their study habits, persistence is the common thread between both. Thiffany’s dedication shows in the amount of time — way into the late hours — she spends on her school work.
Carlos has a standard of excellence that might frighten many people.
“I myself tend to be that kind of a person where the job has to be completed with a certain level of quality for myself to be satisfied,” he said. “Otherwise, I feel as though I’ve cheated myself or the person that’s going to be the recipient of my work.”
Both students plan to eventually earn a law degree, but it’s purely coincidental. Carlos wishes to become a criminal defense attorney, while Thiffany wishes to be a prosecutor.
Her eye for justice is already coming into focus. She’s seen some inequities in public schools. Some groups of students, she said, are given preferential treatment over others. Without specifying, she said more efforts should be made to treat all students equally.
Those who receive their work at college next fall will certainly feel their time has been well spent, as will Carlos and Thiffany.
