TULARE, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) - Math class is not everyone's favorite, but at Cherry Middle School, one student is making it something to look forward to. Haylee Castro is turning confusion into confidence and showing her classmates how to find solutions in and out of the classroom. For Castro, solving problems is not just about numbers -it's about helping people find solutions to their problems. This is a quality that her teachers say makes her a natural leader. "She's an exceptional person. Exceptional," said Michael Roberts, a teacher. "All her peers really respect her." And when the math gets confusing, Castro turns to comedy -a formula everyone can appreciate. "She's just like a, she's a really nice person and she's always like, willing to help anyone, even like, she doesn't know them," said Shady Lynn Jones, an eighth grader. " She's just like, really funny." For Castro, problem-solving is everywhere. It's what motivates her lead through strong character, whether it's in the classroom, on stage or on the field. "I'm one of the leads in the school play," she said. "I'm also the captain of the color guard. Um, there's a few more... It's kind of just solving equations and finding my own way to celebrate life." Her teachers say Castro's determination and heart have made her a role model for the entire school. "Everything she's involved in, she assumes a leadership role. So, it's a pleasure to have her, and I'm really looking forward to her future success, hearing about," said Roberts. But for now, Castro is content helping her classmates solve problems at Cherry Middle School.