El Paso high school senior balances college courses, extracurriculars

Kiana Tsutsui, a 17-year-old senior at Young Women's STEAM Research & Preparatory Academy, is working through university applications while enrolled in college-level courses alongside a demanding schedule of high school activities, according to KVIA.

Tsutsui takes a college course through the National Education Opportunity Network, which provides high school students access to university-level academics. She begins most days with a 7:30 a.m. class and described the workload as substantial but rewarding. "It's so amazing. It's far from easy. It's a lot of work, you know, notes, PowerPoints, videos, assignments. But it's the information that we're learning," she told KVIA.

Tsutsui has long pursued interests in healthcare. At age ten, she requested a disease textbook as a Christmas gift. She has since identified occupational therapy as her career goal, drawn to the field's emphasis on helping others. "I happened to stumble across occupational therapy, and it's something about it just felt right. I was like, this is an experience I want. This is kind of something I want to do. I want to help people in the way that I can through occupational therapy," she explained.

Her personal health has shaped her perspective. Tsutsui was diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease, an autoimmune condition that causes fatigue but does not substantially affect her daily functioning. She said the diagnosis motivated her to better understand and assist others facing similar struggles. "I now want to help people who do struggle with these things, and I want to understand that and kind of be part of that world."

Beyond coursework, Tsutsui serves as class president and participates in orchestra, debate, flag football, theater, drumline, and art. She credited these involvements with strengthening her relationships across campus. "I've loved watching them flourish, and then being someone that they can say 'Hi' to them in the hallways or someone they can come to if they need help has always been like so empowering for me."

Tsutsui has expressed interest in Texas Women's University but has not yet finalized a college choice. She plans to complete her senior year while continuing her current commitments.