“We’ve all known overachievers, and some of us have been overachievers,” Kim George, author of Coaching into Greatness: 4 easy steps, says in her book. “Overachieving occurs when you’re driven to accomplish the impossible.”

But what about the people, or teenagers, who are constantly achieving the seemingly impossible?

 According to the Washington Post, 35 percent of teenagers experience stress frequently, and these are average teenagers with schedules containing few extracurricular activities or AP courses. So how do the kids in rigorous classes and multiple after school activities do it?

For three LZHS overachievers, the secret is in their dedication, and most of all, their passion.

Kimmie Volkman, Senior

In her last year at LZ, Volkman is more involved than ever before.

“I am one of the three drum majors for the marching band, and I play baritone saxophone for the wind ensemble,” Volkman said. “I am also the vice president of concert choir and I’m in the Tri-M Music society.”

In addition to four music activities, Volkman can also add NHS public relations manager, Student Council chair for homecoming decorations, and drama club member to her résumé.  Volkman is in four AP classes and is not taking a study hall or lunch due to her band commitments.

“I’ve always taken on a lot, so it’s out of habit”, Volkman said. “I believe in continual improvement and in giving 110 percent always.”

On a typical day, Volkman gets home at 5pm and will get to bed before midnight on a good day.

“I’m rarely stressed at school; it is coming home and seeing all the work that has to be done that is the hard part,” Volkman said.

Although Volkman is able to maintain a positive attitude, she does say her work load can negatively affect her health, as her immune system is vulnerable when she is run down.

“I got really sick my sophomore year, went to school, and got everyone else sick,” Volkman said.  “So now I know to take the occasional sick day.”

Overall, though, Volkman knows how to prevent meltdowns. She does not watch a lot of TV; she keeps a notebook to schedule everyday meetings and practices; and, most importantly, she only signs up for things she truly enjoys.

“My choice of college doesn’t have a strong influence on my activities,” Volkman said. ‘I don’t regret anything I’ve taken on in high school because I loved every minute of it.”

Carlos Ramirez, sophomore

Ramirez enjoys what he does, but this overachiever has a specific goal in mind.

“My dream college is Stanford University, so I realize that I have to have a lot of work in front of me,” Ramirez said.

Ramirez says his daily stress is a 7 on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the most stressed out.

“I’m definitely an overachiever, but I think that’s a good thing,” Ramirez said. “Nothing worthwhile in the world happened because someone was slacking off.”

Ramirez says his parents raised him to have this kind of motivation because they believe education is one of the most important things a person can have.  Ramirez also works hard because he realizes competitive colleges expect competitive students to apply.

“I looked up the requirements and applications for Stanford, and I’ll definitely have to push my limits to achieve my goal,” Ramirez said.

Despite the importance of determination, though, Ramirez says no teenager should take on an activity unless they love it.

“Everyone in drama club is nice and a really fun group to be around,” Ramirez said. “Just get involved with things you enjoy, that way you’ll be more motivated to stay committed to it.”

Meagan Hughes, junior

Hughes, a self proclaimed procrastinator, keeps herself motivated by putting herself under pressure.

“I run track, cross country, and Polar Bears,” Hughes said. “And during the Polar Bears season, I take part in scholastic bowl and math team.”

Hughes also has a class schedule containing four AP classes, no lunch, and an art class with a project due every two weeks.

“I need to be kept on my toes,” Hughes said. “I’ve always been kind of lazy, but I make myself sign up for things, and I always end up having a lot of fun.”

A heavy work load is not just fun and games, however, as Hughes admits she feels stressed at times.

“Sometimes, around 10pm, I’ll freak out about how much homework I have to do,” Hughes said. “And during the day, it’s kind of hard eating in Spanish and Physics.”

This hectic existence is worth the work, Hughes says, because she does not know which college she’ll go to, but wants it to be a well respected one.

“I know enough stories about kids who did not do well in high school and they spent the rest of college trying to dig themselves out of a hole,” Hughes said. “In order to keep my options open, I need to take the hardest classes to prove that I’m always been trying my hardest.”

But for Hughes, hard work doesn’t come without a little relaxation. On some weekday nights, Hughes says sometimes it is better for overachievers to feel happy than worry about homework.

“My goal every night is to set aside time for The Office and 30 Rock,” Hughes said. “Everyone needs to slow down at some point.”