Lillian is a dual sport student-athlete here at Saugus High School. She went to Emblem Academy for elementary school and Arroyo Seco for middle school. She is a part of the freshman volleyball team and recently a new member of Saugus’s dive team as well. Lillian did gymnastics from when she was younger up until 2023 when she quit due to an injury. Over the summer of 2024, volleyball sparked Lillian’s interest. She started practicing at home, at clinics, and at her volleyball club’s open gym to advance her skills. Her position in high school as well as club is as an outside hitter. Lillian explains how she manages sports and grades, while also having a social life and spending time with her family: “I personally feel that creating a routine is very important to setting a balance to your social life, academic grades, and family time. I have a very busy school schedule so getting things done on time is very important to me. Because I have an open third period I am able to leave school early and get my schoolwork done before four. The time after four, I am able to spend time with my family and text my friends. This schedule has started me off on the right foot. Having such an organized day-to-day schedule leaves me less stressed and most importantly keeps me productive. I like to prepare my weeks too on Sundays knowing what I have for the week and planning out when my free time will be.”
In a question asking about her new diving career and what pushed her to join the dive team, Lillian responded: ”I didn’t initially want to do dive. I had talked to my friends and family and one of them goes to Saguaro. She’s currently a senior, and she was saying how time throughout high school went by so fast and she said that as a freshman she’d do as many things as she could. I thought about this over the weekend and said to myself that I’d try it because what the worst that could happen plus it’s good to try something new. I guess you can say a little encouragement from my support systems gave me that extra boost to confidently join the team. Not only do I enjoy it but I’m very grateful for the opportunities of friendships it’s given me. Being able to join a new sports environment that is welcoming is very easy to encounter here at Saugus. ”
Lillian talked about her schedule for her first year at Saugus High School and what classes she looks forward to the most. “My favorite thing about my school schedule is that my classes are very balanced with chill classes and productive classes but nothing over the top. The classes I have more interest in are more towards the end of my day, meaning I can end my day better than it started. I also like how every event falls into place and I can be organized and be able to make time for school, sports, family, friends, and even myself. I’m very thankful for how my first year at Saugus has been going and can’t wait to see what my next few years bring me.”
She later explains her future and her plans after high school: “When I’m older I want to be in the medical field. I either want to work as a sideline physician for football teams or soccer teams, or even a private physical therapist for those big sports teams. I’ve also shared an interest in bones and so I’d also like to maybe be an orthopedic surgeon.”
Lillian Cabera is a prime example of being a Saugus Centurion. Her ability of moving her way through her schedule and creating a flexible routine that is best fit for her shows what hard work and dedication she brings to the table. I hope she inspires many others to find what best fits them and their routines giving less stress and good grades.
