LFHS Top 10 Spotlight: Emma Stambaugh

Parents: Larry and Michelle Stambaugh

Siblings: Jacob (20), Stella (16), Karla (16)

Previously: Villareal Elementary (K-3), Los Fresnos Elementary (Grades 4-5), Liberty Memorial Middle School (Grades 6-7), Resaca Middle School (Grade 8)

College: The University of Texas at Austin

Major: Finance with a minor in international business and Spanish

Inspiration for academic success: Seeing my brother Jacob’s success and the endless opportunities he was receiving from being a well-rounded student showed me that academic hard work pays off. During my freshman and sophomore year, I wanted the same and even more opportunities that he had, a

nd I knew I needed to step up my academic game.

Study habits: When I study for a big test or quizzes, I always make a unique study guide, consisting of notes and tips tailored for my understanding. I take these pages with me every period throughout the day to study, even in lunch.

Plans after undergraduate degree: I plan to attend Harvard Law School. While attending law school, I want to study abroad to expand my knowledge in vast cultures.

Career plans: I hope to become an international corporate lawyer. Specifically, I would like to be a lawyer for Southwest Airlines.

Advice to younger students to succeed academically: I started focusing on my grades heavily during my freshman year. I struggled a lot in biology and could never get an A on a test. I worked really hard; I stayed up until 2 or 3 a.m. watching Khan Academy videos, but still did not get an A. I almost gave up and settled for the grades I was getting, but I wanted an A on at least one test. For the final I kept trying, and not only got an A, but realized I had only missed one on the entire final! This small success showed me hard work and perseverance cannot fail. From that year on, I knew if I worked hard and put all my efforts towards one goal, I could achieve it. I would tell all the students that achieving a goal to be one of the top 10 students may be a challenge, but do not think that getting there is impossible.