(December 20, 2002) -- “Swimmers to the blocks,” the referee calls. “Swimmers take your mark.” As Jennifer Turcios climbs the starting block, she clears her mind of absolutely everything.The audience of parents, teammates, and friends waits in anticipation. Bang! The gun is shot to announce the start of the race.

Turcios dives into the water and she’s determined to win. As her body starts to give in from fatigue, she pushes herself harder. She has her mind on only one goal: to finish the race victoriously. Senior Jennifer Turcios’s determination and competitive nature has been proven successful for the past four years in athletics and academics. Turcios has been a scholar-athlete for three years, 4-year varsity letter receiver, a Golden State Exam award recipient and member of the National Honor Roll and National Society of High School Scholars.

Turcios first took swimming lessons at the age of six and later to competitive swim at age ten. Currently, she engages in competitive sprint and distance swim for the Glendale High School swim team.

Swimming remains a significant part of her life. Being part of a swim team has taught her the importance of friendship and life-long lessons as well. “You can’t really accomplish anything without people helping you along the way,” Turcios said.

Rain or shine, cold or heat, Turcios shows great dedication. When she is not in the water, she is on dry land — which is basically push-ups, sit-ups and stretching to help with flexibility.

Her day usually begins at 5 a.m. with a workout or swim practice. She gets to school by eight and when it is time to leave for Glendale High, she puts on her “game face” and she’s ready for competition.

By 6 p.m. the swim meets have ended and she usually stays behind to clean up the pool deck. Turcios arrives home around 7 and finishes off the day by studying or doing homework until it’s time to sleep.

College-bound, she has applied to all the UC school’s, but is thinking of just going to PCC and continue swim there. She says her future career plans change very frequently, but as of the moment, she’s interested in dermatology.

Wherever Turcios goes in the future, she will always have a big part of her heart reserved for swimming. “I LOVE IT!” she said. “It’s my way of releasing all my negative energy. It’s cheesy, but it’s true.”