As interesting as high school already is, having a dad who happens to play a big part in the community of Austin can contribute to these prime four years in an influential way.

Junior Carly Ott tends to stand out when it comes to being a high school student at Bowie because in addition to being a well-rounded student; she plays basketball, volleyball and track, and her dad is the Austin City Manager.

Marc Ott, Carly’s dad, is very well known and has been successful in his work since he was elected as city manager in 2008. The City Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of an organization of approximately 12,000 and a budget of $1.4 billion. City operations range from animal services, to zoning, to the electric and water utilities. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is also a part of City of Austin operations.

“He’s extremely hard working and always feels like he could be better,” Carly said.

Not only does he play an important role in the community, but he makes a significant impact in Carly’s life, acting as a role model and is an active supporter to her academics and athletics.

“He usually comes to all my tournaments on the weekends because he doesn’t work, or sometimes he’ll leave his council meeting early so he can come to my game,” Carly said.

Despite his busy work schedule and important obligations, Marc always makes time to cheer on his daughter competing on the court, successfully juggling the tasks in his workplace with his duty as a family man.

“Seeing Carly’s dad come out to her games warms my heart because it shows that he’s just a regular dad and doesn’t act Hollywood, or too important to do regular dad-like things,” Sabrina Bianco said.

Watching her father work so hard at everything he does has really motivated Carly to put her best foot forward in everything she does.

“Considering what he came from, it makes me want to become just as successful if not more successful in my later life,” Carly said.

Carly is growing up with more resources than her father had at her age, makes her dad’s expectations for her future high and filled with hope.

“I’m trying to demonstrate to my kids that anything is possible no matter what obstacles they may face,” Marc said.

As high school is already pressing and stressful, being held to extremely high standards or being pampered can hold you back from reaching the level of knowledge and learning you want.

“Some teachers tend to hold me to higher standards when they find out who my dad is, expecting me to be perfect                                                            and never get in trouble, Carly said. “But there are other teachers who are super nice to me because they know who my dad is, so they grade easily and are especially nice to me, which benefits me in no way.”

Being as high up as Marc is in the community, comes with advantages that some teachers could find intimidating when they end up having his daughter as a student in their class, or find it an interesting conversation topic.

“I was excited to know Carly. I am very proactive politically so I like knowing and hearing about things that her dad does,” AP English teacher Candida Garrison said.

Being treated like a normal kid is important to Carly because that’s what she is. She doesn’t think her dad’s position in the community should determine her worth over other students, it should depend on how hard she works should.

“In everything Carly does, she puts her best foot forward and I admire that,” Bianco said.

Support systems are a substantial part in growing and learning, whether it be a teacher or family member. Having someone to help them push for the very best and be there in times of failure can help one reach their maximum potential.

“I give credit to my parents for their support, especially my mother, because she always believed in me and knew I was destined for something,” Marc said.

Because of the parental encouragement Marc received that pushed him to go forward, he continues to make his kids understand that education should be a number one priority.

“I plan on making my family proud and I can’t wait to see where I go,” Carly said.