“I have to admit, I was very nervous when I first entered PACE. I was worried that the coursework would be so demanding that I wouldn’t have time to relax or have a social life. However, after completing two years as a PACE student, I can assure you that is not true. PACE’s number one priority is to have well-rounded students, and the program makes sure to provide students the time and opportunities to enjoy a life outside of the classroom. I’m happy to say that I maintain a proper balance myself, being a part of the varsity tennis team as well as Poly’s Jazz program, the latter for which I won the award for most outstanding member of my band last year. I also have plenty of downtime to relax and hang out with friends. Having a proper work-life balance is so important, and PACE recognizes that just as much as any other program.
And sure, the workload can be challenging at times. However, I feel that every PACE kid is not only a student but also a teammate. Your and your fellow classmates are part of a team, working together to try to combat this program. There is no “fighting for the highest grade” or any competition among students, everyone in PACE supports each other. If you ever feel stressed about an assignment or upcoming test, it is always nice to know that there are 179 other kids who feel the exact same way. Being a part of PACE is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and I know that the friendships, life lessons, and experiences gained from PACE will last with me for the rest of my life.”