Jesica Sardina has accomplished many things in her four years at Chula Vista High School. She has been an outstanding three-sport athlete, a hardworking honors student and a mentor and friend to those in need of help. She wants to take on a new title next year. But in this time of economic struggle the next role she is striving for has become harder than ever to fill. Sardina is hoping to gain an athletic or academic scholarship to UCSD so that she can pursue her dream of one day becoming an engineer.

   “Jesica is a complete student athlete and she expects a lot out of herself,” said her proud coach, Felisha Mariscal. “She is very focused, knows what she wants in life and she makes the most of every opportunity. She is applying for as many scholarships as she can because she doesn’t have the money to go to college. One of them is the Bill Gates Scholarship. She’s is in the second phase of that application process. We are all hoping she gets it.”

   Sardina has had quite a career for the Spartans and she seems to be getting better with each season. In the fall, she starred on the cross country team recording several personal bests along the way. Last winter, she turned her attention toward basketball and brought leadership and dedication to her point guard position. Now she is fully engrossed in the track team that she captains. She has excelled at the mile, the 800 m. and the high jump, but the mile is what she feels she does best.

   “Last year I placed in the top six in the league finals. I have run a 5:37 mile this year which should get me into the league finals again. My goal though is to make it the CIF Meet,” Sardina said.

   Sardina’s enthusiasm for running has been building over the last few years.

   “During my freshman and sophomore years running really got to me. I always liked basketball more. I began playing that when I was six years old. If I really worked my butt off this summer I might be able to play basketball in college, but I think there is a lot more opportunity with track.”

   Her lack of basketball height and her success on the track since her junior year has pushed her in the direction of running.

   Despite her considerable athletic accomplishments, Sardina’s biggest success has been in the classroom.

   “I am currently ranked number seven in my class and I got straight A’s last year. I am taking advanced placement classes and I have been on the honor roll.”

   She is also gained the reputation of being a real asset in her classes and one who will help the students that are struggling. Last year, Sardina was awarded a Daughters of the American Revolution Award for demonstrating strong leadership and citizenship abilities.

   The secret to her success is in her expectations.

   “Having a goal to go for and knowing that if you don’t do your best you will regret it later is what keeps me going. I don’t like having any regrets.”

            With all that she has accomplished at Chula Vista High Sardina shouldn’t have any.