For senior Marisa Chinen, success comes from balance and dedication. She has spent all four years on the school’s swim team while also serving in National Honor Society, Science NHS, and English NHS. On top of that, she works a part-time job. 

Her schedule is tight—her day begins at 4:30 a.m. and ends around 9 p.m. when she heads to bed. 

“I like being busy but also making sure I’m doing things I truly enjoy,” Chinen said.

Swimming has been a huge part of Chinen’s life for as long as she can remember.She started when she was 3 years old and she currently swims the 500 freestyle and the 200 freestyle

She credits her sophomore year at the UIL 5A State Championship when she was battling a knee injury as a milestone. She said that is when she realized leadership came not from her times in the pool but from the way she could support and guide her teammates. Even though a knee injury took Chinen out of the water, she found ways to still help her teammates. 

After high school, Chinen hopes to become a doctor or a lawyer with a medical background. She said she appreciates the opportunities she’s had to grow as a student and as a person in high school. Looking back on her years, she encourages younger students to get involved in things and not wait too long to do so.

“Sometimes we take for granted what we have,” she said. “But KPARK gives you the support to find your passions and see how far you can go.”