Freedom Senior Lauren Parrino knew she was accepting a busy schedule when she committed to a six-month volunteer program at Florida Hospital in addition to her newly acquired captaincy of the High School’s Cross-Country team. Yet, Parrino finds herself confident and excited in the face of uncharted territory.

Parrino was announced as a captain at the start of the school year, following a long history of commitment to the team.

“I’ve done Pole Vault in Track since freshman year, and ran Cross-Country since sophomore year,” commented Parrino. “I’ve made Varsity all three years in Track and this year for Cross-Country, I’m the Senior Captain.”

Parrino shared her enthusiasm for the season ahead.

“The fun part is that after three years, I’m in the middle of the huddle and lead the pre-race chant with other captains.”

However, the Captain’s drive doesn’t end there. Parrino was recently accepted into a limited volunteer program at Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel.

“It’s a six-month program,” explained Parrino. “I work the concierge desk on Mondays and am able to go around the hospital and meet employees, nurses, and even surgeons. It’s given me a closer and interesting look into the medical field.”

Parrino hopes that the opportunity will provide insight for her future.

“I plan on going into an upper level of nursing, such as a nurse practitioner or a physician assistant,” said Parrino.

Additionally, Parrino plays an active role in clubs around Freedom.

“I’m the Vice President of both French Honor Society and Key Club, and the Co-President of FCA [Fellowship of Christian Athletes],” explained Parrino. “I’m also in Science National Honor Society and plan on joining a couple more clubs this year.”

Involving herself in a variety of extracurricular activities, Parrino manages her time to the best of her ability, but it’s not always perfect.

“Sometimes it gets difficult and I have to take time away from one thing in order to have time for another,” said the senior.

Yet Parrino feels confident in her ability to succeed in all of her endeavors.

“There’s never a perfect balance, but I don’t let myself stop until I’m on top of everything to the best that I’m able to be.”