Take Five: A Friona Star Interview with Adriana Ortiz Carrillo
You are involved in so many activities, how do you manage your time in order to get so much accomplished?
Being in high school and being involved in so many extracurricular activities or community projects actually it is not an easy task. I have a planner and reminders on my phone that are constantly being updated and changed because plans are generally always being changed. I make it a point to always show up to an event or make time for said event when I’ve promised to be there because I don’t like to let people down. I like to help, I always have.
You were recently named female Student of the Year at the Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet. What does that award mean to you and what has the Friona School system meant to you?
When I received the award I was really shocked in all honesty mostly because everything that I do or have done for the community, comes from the example my mom has set for me and my siblings. I volunteer and get involved because it is a wonderful way to help my community, in projects that I believe will make our community a better place, not because I’ve ever wanted any recognition. I have always been a behind the scenes person. I am grateful to have been honored with the award because even though my involvement has never been about recognition it’s nice to know my actions are being seen and hopefully making an impact to other kids in the community. The Friona School system means everything to me, I haven’t met a teacher or staff member who hasn’t been supportive of me, my actions or plans for the future. That support plus the support of the community has not only empowered me but encouraged me to pursue my ambitions without fear of failing.
You were a back-to-back State qualifier in Powerlifting. How did you get involved in the sport and what were the keys to your success?
I got involved in powerlifting my sophomore year after doctors told me it was probably the best sport for me to be in. You have to know the backstory so I’ll start from my first diagnoses from the 7th grade, after I had to be admitted to the hospital for severe stomach pains I was later diagnosed with Lupus which is an autoimmune disease and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis because I also had severe joint pain. So throughout 8th grade and my first year of high school I was in and out of the hospital and even now many people don’t know that this was happening while I was trying to have normal teen experiences, playing basketball, continuing to run track and do everything basically. By the beginning of my sophomore year I was on 12 medications including a drug that cancer patients use and because of this I was advised to not continue with sports but I am so stubborn that I couldn’t just quit so I talked to several of my doctors about what sport that my school had would be best and well they all said powerlifting would be the best because I’d be able to take everything at my own pace. They were right and I fell in love with the sport by the end of year because I had lost so much weight and was doing well with my health. I was off all my medications. Powerlifting basically became a lifesaver for me. Some keys to my success are to always push yourself even when it gets hard because this sport is hard and not just physically but mentally. You have to believe that you are capable of lifting that weight before you ever do it because if you don’t you’ve already lost the meet. Eating right is also one of the most important things when doing this sport, don’t starve yourself your body needs nutrients in order to get stronger and that’s something many fail to realize. Another key to success is to trust your coaches, they know what they’re talking about! Trust the process. I could not have done it without the support and guidance of my mom and all the coaches at Friona high school.
What advice would you give to young people to help them be productive in school and in the community of Friona?
I would tell the young people of Friona to get involved and not be afraid to offer your help. I know from experience that a lot of things may seem like only adults can help or be involved but I can’t count how many times I’ve offered my help and have been able to help even in the smallest of ways. Don’t be afraid to reach out, Parmer Paws the rescue shelter always needs help, there are always events that the chamber needs volunteers for, Snack-Pak always needs help, my point is that even though Friona may be a small town we always need help, to help each other really as long as you’re willing. In school don’t be afraid to try things, try something at least once with 100% of effort and you might actually enjoy it. Ask questions and don’t be afraid.
What are your plans for the future?
My plans for the future as of right now are to attend West Texas A&M and major in Biology. I don’t know what my career path is yet but I do know that it involves helping people whether it be as a nurse or even physical therapist I want to be helping people. I’ve also considered coaching and teaching because of the impact that my teachers and coaches had on me. At one point in powerlifting season this year after I had torn my PCL. I’m pretty sure my coaches believed in me more than I had believed in myself and for that I am forever grateful. So whatever is in store for my future I know that I will be helping people whether I’m working in a hospital or teaching kids like myself to become better people.
I’d like to thank my parents, coaches, teachers, peers and community for all of their support. Without them I wouldn’t be the person I am today or have been able to do everything that I have been able to accomplish.
