“Shoulder to shoulder with your competitors, toes on the starting line. The announcer lifts his gun. You feel your heart pounding in your chest and feel the strong Texas sun on your back. You take a few deep breaths, preparing yourself for the tough race ahead. You think back to all of [the] training that has led [you] to this moment. You repeat your mantra to yourself. ‘One step at a time’. The gun goes off, and the race begins,” said Dietz.
CVHS senior Jenny Dietz recalls the beginning of her most recent cross-country race. But for her, that moment at the starting line captures more than just the thrill of competition; it symbolizes the dedication, perseverance, and heart that she pours into everything she does. Dietz’s achievements are a clear reflection of these qualities, as some of her leadership positions include varsity captain of the cross country team, varsity captain of the track and field team, and senior officer on the CVHS competitive dance team, roles through which she has become a supportive and inspirational leader to her peers.
Her accomplishments though, stretch far beyond athletics. Involved in five different school clubs and societies, two of which she serves in a cabinet position, Dietz also has experience working as a Youth Conservation Crew Member and has volunteered with BARC Animal Shelter and Global Leadership Adventures. Throughout her high school career, she has earned all A’s, a GPA of 4.8372, a five on eight AP exams, and a four on two others, and was a National Merit Semifinalist.
Alongside these feats, Dietz reflects on her journey at CVHS, she acknowledges the personal growth and transformations she has experienced that have come from facing both victories and losses. The challenges she’s come to face over time have not all been small, as she’s navigated significant personal hardships, including the loss of her father to cancer and her mother’s ongoing battle with cancer. “Seeing both of my parents’ strength in hard times has been a big motivation in my own life,” she shares. “It has taught me to seek support during hard times, which has also motivated me to be someone others can rely on for support.”
Through it all she has remained a diligent student, whose work ethic has earned her a reputation for academic excellence at one of Houston’s most rigorous schools.
“Carnegie has taught me to become a lot more organized and focused,” she reflects. “I’ve become more of a leader, and have gained more confidence over the past few years.”
This growth comes from Dietz’s love for running, which has changed her life in a variety of ways. “Doing sports is my escape,” she explains. “Whether it’s dance, track, or cross country, whenever I am participating in each sport, it gives me a break from all … the school work and studying.” She acknowledges that she wouldn’t be “as academically successful” without participating in sports. “They give my life balance and help me decompress,” she says.
However, despite the stability her extracurriculars provide, it doesn’t change what is required of her as a young scholar. “I still struggle with balance every day,” she says. “Balancing the demands of all aspects of my busy life can be hard. However, what I have found works best for me is learning how to recognize my limits. Also, establishing clear priorities has helped me to make sure I don’t neglect what is most important to me.”
Dietz’s determination to excel academically and contribute to her community is driven by her aspirations. She knows that her high school years are the foundation for a meaningful future, whether that be environmental work, veterinary medicine, or healthcare. “Doing my best and staying dedicated from early on in life can open a lot of doors later in life,” she notes.
Dietz also stresses the importance of maintaining focus on the present and savoring each moment. “I try to take things one day at a time,” she says. “Worrying too much about the future and things you can’t control never helps. Instead, I’ve learned that it is important to enjoy the small, everyday moments in life that balance out the tough and stressful moments.”
This mindset shapes how she defines success, which is not by comparison, but her life experience. “Success is defined as whether you did your best or not. I’ve realized over the years that you will never be the best at everything you do. There will always be someone out there who is better than you. But, as long as you are putting in the effort, it is still possible to be successful,” Dietz states.
At the core of Dietz’s story is an embodiment of the balance between ambition and compassion, leaving a legacy for younger students at CVHS who look up to her as a role model. Her advice to them is simple yet profound: “Be kind to yourself and those around you.”
As she stands at the starting line of her future, Dietz faces life’s uncertainties with strength and a firm sense of self. In her own words, “I hope that no matter what I end up doing in life, I never lose sight of my values and who I truly am.” And that is what makes Dietz so beautifully human.
