When senior Michaela Wilson first stepped into high school, she was unsure of where her path would lead. She dabbled in all kinds of extracurricular activities as she searched for something that felt like home.
“I did a lot of different things throughout high school and freshman year,” Wilson said. “Basketball and a bit of theater, and I quit basketball to do theater, and I quit theater just to focus on my career.”
While her interests shifted, one constant remained: a love for sports.
“I think it’s mostly because of my dad, we grew up watching the same teams and stuff,” Wilson said. “And so, I shifted from theater to something more realistic, which was physical therapy, something where I could help people, but also work with people who are in sports and kind of still be a part of the team.”
As her high school years progressed, balancing a busy schedule became increasingly challenging. Wilson’s dedication to her career goals led her to prioritize her responsibilities, even if it meant sacrificing some of her free time.
“When it came to Sports Med, I did leave class a lot,” Wilson said. “I had to take extra time here and there to finish work, but I knew having fun in school was important, and so I did really enjoy the football season as well as the baseball season and just helping out with sports, something that’s very similar to what I want to do in the future.”

Wilson took rigorous classes while maintaining a strong GPA, something she attributes to being surrounded by a supportive, like-minded community.

“When you’re around people that also have good standards, whether that be in academics or something else, you start to realize the importance of focusing as well,” Wilson said. “I’ve had relationships with most of my teachers and they comment on my work ethic which has really motivated me to just continue pursuing what’s best in school.”

Wilson said the most important lesson she learned was that she doesn’t have to be perfect.

 “When I first got to high school, I remember getting grades that were low and that made me feel horrible,” Wilson said. “Obviously, you should try to do your best, but if your best doesn’t result in the score that you want, don’t let it bring down your self-esteem or your identity. Your identity is not just your academics.” 

Wilson is most proud of  earning a spot in The University of Texas at San Antonio Top Scholars Program, which provides funding for tuition, fees, and room and board. 

“University has always been something I’ve been really nervous about, and I knew that I wouldn’t have much money for it,” Wilson said. “So to become a finalist among 500 people, and being one of 30 to be a finalist was an accomplishment in itself.”

Looking back, she would tell her friendship self to “be her own person.”

“When I was a freshman and sophomore, I would try to please people and I realized, unfortunately, after many years, it was draining,” Wilson said. “I focused so much on this person that I didn’t focus much on myself. And so for the last two years, I focused on myself. When you focus on yourself not only is your mental health better but you enjoy life a bit more.”