When and why did you move to Hermiston?

I was born and raised here. I moved away for a year my freshman year of college, to Mount Hood Community College because I originally wanted to pursue photography. I got homesick so I moved back, and I was going to pursue dental hygiene, but chemistry wasn’t my jam. So I ended up going into elementary education at Eastern Oregon University.

What is your favorite place to eat in Hermiston?

I love Rio Express. It’s this little restaurant right across the street from West Park. It’s family owned and they have really good tacos and quesadillas.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love to travel. This past year, my husband and I went to Paris, London, Canada and Mexico. I like to hike, be outdoors and be out with my two corgis.

What surprises you about Hermiston?

Because I’ve been here for so long, nothing surprises me. But what I love is the diversity within our Hispanic population. I think that there is a large array of Mexican restaurants here, and I think that’s because there’s a large Hispanic population. I think we’re able to bring our culture into the community, and I love that, also for the students in Hermiston, because it gives them a chance to be represented.

What was the last book you read?

I’m really not into books. I’m more of a podcast kind of girl. Right now I’m really into the “Road to Self Love” podcast by Paul Fishman. He brings on a lot of entrepreneurs and people who have been through traumatic experiences who have made something of themselves, so it’s really inspiring.

What website or app do you use most other than Facebook?

I love Instagram. I recently bought a Sony A6000 which is a traveling, smaller camera. I love taking photos, editing them and posting.

If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

I think my next destination is Pastino, Italy. It’s the coast, and I would really love to go there. We just went to Paris and London, and it was very urban. I love being on the beach, and I want to see how Europeans do the beach.

What is the funniest thing that’s ever happened to you?

My husband and I were on a road trip to California, and I was hiding behind an aisle at a grocery store to surprise him. But when I jumped up, I hit my nose on one of the shelves and ended up crying. It was embarrassing; we were dating at that time.

What is one of your goals for the next 12 months?

I’m starting my masters degree in strategic communications. I’d like to get halfway through my program and survive work. I love people, I love talking to people and I feel like I’d be able to take a creative aspect of a product or brand to promote it.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

Being the daughter of immigrants, I would say receiving my bachelor’s degree. It was the weekend of Father’s Day, and I told my dad I forgot his present. That’s when he told me that walking across the stage during college graduation was his present.