What year are you in school and what are you majoring in?
 I am a sophomore, majoring in veterinary medicine.
I heard that you are an “escaramuza” how would you describe this to people who do not know what it is?
 An “escaramuza” is a girl who does horse-back riding, riding a side saddle. It’s a team consisting of 8 girls, wearing a traditional Mexican dress and a sombrero. We do a routine that consist of 12 exercises. The goal is to complete these exercises at full speed on horse.
Where did your love for this emerge?
My love for this emerged 8 years ago. I went to a farm that my cousin was working in; his wife was the coach of an escaramuza team. She asked me if I wanted to ride, I said yes, and that’s how it all started!
What do you like the most about being an “escaramuza”?
What I like most about being an escaramuza is that once you’re in a team, you start to see them as family. You know each other’s lives and help them in any way possible. Also I love the dresses that we get to wear.
Do you see yourself still doing it in the future when you are older? Do you want your kids to keep the tradition going?
I do see myself doing this in the future. I would love if my kids kept the tradition going. My father and his family were basically born in this Mexican sport. It would make me happy if they love this as much as I do.
Who is your role model/who do you look up to?
 My parents are the ones who I look up to. I look up to them because of what they’ve gone through. They came to this country to give me and my brother a better life. In regards to this sport called “escaramuza”, I would have to say I look up to my father; everything I have learned has been from him. He taught me how to ride a horse, how to treat them and how to know what their needs are.
Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
 In 10 years, I see myself working in a vet clinic; treating and helping animals in need. I also see myself married, owning my own house and having 3 kids, who hopefully will start to love my traditions and the “escaramuza”.
What is a quote or saying that you live by?
The quote that I live by would have to be “If you think you can do a thing or think you can’t do a thing, you’re right.” -Henry Ford
Elena’s Team “Rayo de Esperanza” at their 2012 Competition in Zacatecas, Mexico
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