One Of South Florida's Great Grads

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – With high school graduation just a week away, and before students head off to college, some of South Florida's 'Great Grads' deserve to be in the spotlight.

Francesca Majluf, 18, has managed to accomplish something that many students only dream of – she's living the 'American Dream'.

"I think my opportunity is endless. I can never reach a limit," said Majluf. "I may have achieved a lot which I have, but I can achieve even more. That's what my potential tells me."

For Majluf, the sky is the limit. Her goals and aspirations go way beyond that of many teenagers.

"Francesca is above and beyond the wonderful talent that we have here, she is an exception to the rule," said her teacher Adrienne Pedroso.

Just four years ago Majluf moved to the U.S. from Peru, with her mother and older sister, in search of a better life.

Majluf took advantage of the move and didn't waste any time.  She enrolled in Homestead High School, hit the books and began to learn English.

"It's been really hard adapting to the country but when I got a hold of English it was okay," she said.

Language wasn't a barrier for this tenacious teen.  Her grades were so impressive she later transferred to the School for Advanced Studies, a full- time dual enrollment high school with Miami-Dade College, where she will be graduating with a high school diploma and a college degree.

How does she manage to excel?

"I think it was dedication and knowing that I could do it because I know I could do it. Don't slack," said Majluf. "I just took it seriously because many people don't."

Majluf wants to be a chemical engineer and all of that hard work and dedication has paid off. She was accepted with a full scholarship to M.I.T and is now one step closer to achieving her goal.

She is an inspiration not only to her family but also her friends.

"Her work ethic is through the roof, she works every day," said Drew Collins. "Her effort level is ridiculous."

Nothing is impossible for this 'Great Grad' who is living the American Dream and said that 'if you can dream it, you can achieve it'.

"Everything is possible. They don't realize the potential they have inside of them," said Majluf. "Every student has the potential."