Josias Navasca discovered a passion for running when he was on the track team in middle school. “I chose to go into Cross Country because no other sports interested me,” he said. “This is my second year [running Cross Country]…, but I proudly run for Armijo.

For those considering going out for sports, especially Cross Country, Navasca has some advice. “Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. I was reluctant to join Cross Country and Track, but now I’m on varsity and enjoy every second of it,” he said. “Some stray from sports due to fear of physical pain, but watching yourself grow and watching your skills improve is a beauty that can’t be described. You can only experience it yourself.”

Navasca said that his most memorable sporting event was at Dublin High School during a track meet. “In the meet, you can request to play music on the loud speaker during your race,” he said.” I requested The Final Countdown. I sang the tune in my head and listened all throughout the last stretch of the track. It was my first race I ever won.”

In addition to Cross Country, Navasca is involved in VEX Robotics and his studies lean toward engineering. Outside of school, he practices Photoshop and enjoys video editing, “Every now and then, I pursue small electronics projects, using the skills I learned in engineering,” he said.

Navasca hopes to use the skills he has developed at a UC campus, although he doesn’t know which school yet. He also doesn’t know if he will continue with Cross Country at that point, but he is leaning toward focusing on other things by then. Upon graduation, Navasca hopes to become either a mechanical or electrical engineer.

By choosing a UC as his destination he is continuing a family tradition. “I have two brothers and one sister,” he said. His brothers are in their 20s and attending a UC and his sister is starting at one this year. “I think all of them serve as role models to me. They have all finished the IB (International Baccalaureate) program and are attending a UC. I hope to follow in their footsteps, develop a work ethic like theirs, and succeed.”

“High school is a tough time for all of us. There will be many times that you want to give up in your education,” Navasca said. “Remember, school is what you make of it, and your education is your responsibility, so work on, but most of all, continue to learn. Always.”