Andy Ortiz, Greeley West High School
Andy Ortiz has loved going to school, but it hasn’t always been easy.
Entering Greeley West High School Ortiz had a setback that could have derailed his education.
“I started enduring some hardships around my freshman year,” Ortiz said. “I suffered an unwanted injury, and I didn’t take it well. I have always loved school, but it is just something that hasn’t been easy for me, especially now with my setbacks.”
Ortiz said he found himself sinking into depression. He couldn't play sports, which he had done throughout school, and he had began making choices that weren't good for him personally or academically. He fell behind in school.
Finally, he decided it was time for a change.
“I was making bad choices,” Ortiz said. “I soon came to realize what I really wanted in my life. I wanted to make my parents proud. They haven't always had it easy. I got new goals and now I know what I want to do in my future.”
Taking a job helped Ortiz turn his life around. He started to see his work ethic return. And he realized he would be the first male in his family to graduate high school and the first person in his family to attend college.
“I am going to be the first one in my family to go to college so that really pushes me,” Ortiz said.
Having attended District 6 schools since Kindergarten, Ortiz said there were a lot of people who assisted him along the way. He plans to attend college and study civil engineering, with the hope that he can one day own his own business.
“I am really grateful for all the teachers, everyone who has supported me through everything. They had hope in me, and I am eternally grateful for that.