Anna Hurtado

Anna Hurtado - Arizona
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination and Photography by
​Sand & Light Photography
Issue 40 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

​The Nomination: In her Mother's words: Anna is inspiring because since she was little, she has shown us that dreams come true with hard work. Her dedication, passion and perseverance has led her to accomplish much.
She’s a dedicated student, who knows that school is important-but not more important than her faith and her family.
When she fails trying to accomplish something, Anna manages to learn from her mistakes to overcome them and thus show herself that a bad result does not define what you are capable of achieving.
She has a kind heart and likes volunteering to help the less fortunate. We’re blessed to have Anna as our daughter.

Photography by ​Sand & Light Photography

​Tell us about your high school experiences and how they affected you through your high school years.
I have learned a lot during high school. In my freshman year, I learned to be patient with myself and to get comfortable with failure, and to learn from that failure. In my sophomore year, I learned to identify the negative influences in my life and to move on from them. My junior year, I learned that in every aspect of life, love is everything. I’m not sure what lesson senior year has for me yet, but I’m grateful for these experiences that shaped me into the person I am today.

What performing arts performances have you participated in, and which was your favorite? Why?
I have nurtured my passion for performing during my high school years. At my school, I performed in Don't Rock The Boat, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat , The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, and Mary Poppins. I have also participated in choir and dance performances, and voice and piano recitals. My favorite performing experience has to be Mary Poppins. While it took effort to get into the character of Jane Banks, the process was fun because it required me to explore the inner child in me, which is a refreshing way to look at things at this point in my life. It also taught me that, as one of the songs from the show states, anything can happen if you let it.

Photography by ​Sand & Light Photography

​What leadership opportunities have you had? Share your favorite story.
These past few years, I have had several leadership opportunities at my school, including being: a house leader in its house system, a leader on the freshman retreat, a school ambassador, an officer in the Exchange Club, and a leader for our Kairos retreat soon. My favorite experience I have had as a leader has definitely been leading my house on the Unified Field Day that my school organizes for students with disabilities from other schools nearby. We spent many hours and meetings organizing our field day game, and in the end it was worth the fun and smiles shared by everyone.

What does the NHS mean to you and why are you so proud to be a member?
Being a member in my school’s chapter of National Honor Society (NHS) means to me that I’m capable of achieving a prestigious standard, and still signals me to foster these pillars in my own life. I am proud to be a member in the NHS because I’ve earned my place in it through my own hard work and because I’m proud to be part of an organization that not only recognizes students’ achievements but also encourages us to take those virtues and use them to make a positive impact in our communities.

Photography by Amy Schaumberg

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Your nomination mentions you enjoy volunteering. Where do you volunteer and what do you love about it?
 I have had several volunteering experiences. Throughout high school, I have participated in my school’s music ministry, either playing the violin or singing in the choir. I have also volunteered at places such as St. Vincent de Paul, Midwest Food Bank, as well as my own parish. My favorite and most frequent way to serve is in the music ministry because I already love to sing and play music, and it feels right to use those gifts I am given to give back to my community.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
To anyone who wants to be where I am today, I would advise them to never underestimate what they’re capable of achieving. By limiting your belief in what you can do, you hold yourself back from being able to achieve what you want. Quoting Theodore Roosevelt, believe you can and you’re halfway there. That is a belief that has helped me achieve my goals and I believe it will help many others reach their potential.

Photography by ​Sand & Light Photography

​Where do you see yourself in 5 years/ what are your plans?
In five years, I see myself graduating from college and I hope to see myself starting a new and exciting career in either writing or performing, in a lively city like New York City or London.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
My favorite activity to do in my free time is teach myself how to play instruments. So far, I’ve learned to play the ukulele and I can play some guitar.

3 Things on your bucket list:
Three things on my bucket list are: to be a polyglot, to play Christine in a production of Phantom of the Opera, and to travel around the world.

Look for Anna in issue 40 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

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Click here for more information on issue 40

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