Not many 17-year-olds have been dealt the great responsibilities of leadership and dedication that Jacquelyn Do, a senior at Bolsa Grande, has displayed throughout her years in high school. On the surface, she seems like the average student working hard to get into college and making the most of her senior year. But behind the curtains, Jacquelyn works tirelessly—though not effortlessly—as both Vice President of Key Club and President of Concert Choir, two positions that she is proud to have received but which also entitle challenging responsibilities that are not always recognized.
One of Jacquelyn’s proudest accomplishments in high school, she says, is having been able to hold leadership positions in Key Club, one of the most well-established clubs at Bolsa Grande as well as around the world. As a freshman, Jacquelyn joined Key Club because, like many other students, she was drawn in by the prospect of getting community service hours for college and having fun while doing so.
But, as she has realized, there is a vast difference in the reason for joining something and the reason for remaining in it. She says that it is so much more than just a community service organization. “There’s this running joke that Key Club doesn’t make keys, but we do unlock doors to opportunities,” she explains. “And it’s true! I’ve been given the opportunity to step out of my shell and showcase my spirit and improve myself...I’ve learned how to lead others and meet the high standards Key Club maintains for professionalism.”
Being an officer in Key Club has definitely taught Jacquelyn a few valuable lessons. “I’ve learned how to be more open and compassionate to others,” she says, “and how to balance a professional and casual attitude.
”She has also learned to make some sacrifices. “My number one priority as an officer is making sure the members get the best experience they can possibly get from the club. To fulfill this, I’ve gotten into the habit of putting these members and the club before myself and making sacrifices as necessary.
“For example,” she says, “if I have homework and club deadlines due the same day, I’ll tend to my responsibilities as a Key Club officer first, because I know there are 100-something members depending on me to get my job done.
”It is definitely not an easy job. When asked about the most challenging thing she faces as an officer, she responds that she has to deal with a lot of criticism. But, as much as negativity comes her way, Jacquelyn has learned to handle it in a positive manner—“You have to view things objectively in order to differentiate what is rude negativity from what is constructive criticism.”
And her leadership positions do not end there—Jacquelyn is also Co-President of Concert Choir, the top choir group at Bolsa Grande. She is proud to have come so far in two organizations of which she has been a part of for all four years of high school. It is a reminder, she says, of how much one can grow from dedicating his or her self to something out of free will...that high school is much more than just academics, and that involving yourself in extra-curriculars is not a waste of time.