Melody Mok says swimming comes as naturally to her as walking.

"I had a pool in my backyard … I had the lagoon behind me, and the beach in front of me," Mok said. "So it was instinctual to just always be swimming."

Raised in Puerto Rico, Mok moved to Brooklyn at 14. Looking for ways to connect with her new home, she joined both the lacrosse and swim teams at Fort Hamilton High School. She had no competitive experience, but with dedication, Mok quickly found her place on the field and in the pool.

"She asks for feedback … and she doesn't mind constructive criticism and I try my best to give her the best feedback, but she's always looking for more," swim coach Angelica Pellegriti said. "She always wants more and I'm like, 'Just do it, just swim.' And she does it. She always made me proud every swim meet."

Out of the pool, and into the classroom, Mok is just as accomplished. The straight A honors student has many Advanced Placement courses packed into her schedule while also sticking to a long list of commitments outside of school. She's a dedicated volunteer with Resist Recycle Regenerate and the Chinatown Literacy Project. With these organizations, she teaches others English and celebrates her Chinese culture.

"I help people learn English … and help them practice conversation," Mok said. "I think it's so important to break these language barriers … not just with these folks, but also with my own family, parents, and grandparents at the same time."

Mok says she credits her success to her ability to multitask, good planning, and a positive attitude.

"Being able to cross out my to-do list, it's all very satisfying at the end of the day," she said. "I want to be able to go to sleep saying, 'Today was a good day.' And if it wasn't, then I can make tomorrow better."

So for diving headfirst into new surroundings and thriving, Melody Mok is our Scholar Athlete of the Week.

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The Spectrum News NY1 Scholar Athlete Program recognizes exceptional public high school student athletes with academic scholarship awards of $1,000 each for use towards college expenses. Nominees must be high school seniors enrolled at public high schools within the five boroughs of New York City in order to be considered.

If you are a public school coach, teacher, administrator or school counselor who would like to nominate a student athlete who excels both in the classroom and on the court, click here to fill out a nomination form.