For Cathedral Prep senior Isabella Bellotti, school is not just about academics. It is about learning to balance responsibilities both inside and outside the classroom. Living with her parents, older brother Dominic, and sister Gabby, Isabella plays an important role at home by helping keep things running while managing her schoolwork. 

“I don’t have a job yet, so my role is to take care of the house,” Isabella said. “It can be a little overbearing at times, but it motivates me to just do what I have to and to keep going because there are things to get done.” 

Balancing school and household duties can be challenging. Between cooking, laundry, and homework, time management is vital for Isabella. She has developed a routine that helps her stay organized even when her schedule starts to fill up.

“I just kind of time manage,” she said. “I do a part of a school task and then a part of a home task. Sometimes it can be overwhelming, but it works out if I plan it right.” 

The workload increases during busier times of the school year like finals week, so when stress and burnout become more common, it can interfere with family time.

“If I’m feeling drained, it might deter me from wanting to hang out with my family because I don’t have the energy,” she said.

Still, she finds support from her sister Gabby, who inspires her to stay focused on school.

“My sister reminds me of the importance of academics because she struggles to balance school and work,” she said. “Seeing her do that helps me stay on track.”

Outside of classes, Isabella also participates in the multicultural club, which occasionally meets during school hours. While it is not an after-school commitment, it still takes time away that she could use for homework or family. When tough choices come between family and school, Isabella uses her sense of responsibility to guide her decisions.

“If I have something due, I’ll usually just use that deadline as the final decision maker,” she said. 

Though she does not see herself working directly in a helping profession, Isabella hopes to find a creative way to connect with others.

“If it’s some kind of art medium I can communicate my feelings through and help others see that it isn’t just them feeling that way, then [she could see herself doing] something to that extent,” she said.

Through her dedication, Isabella shows that success is not just about grades. It is about dedication, self-discipline, and finding balance between school, family, and personal growth.