Moving to a new town can be an intimidating experience, especially when you're in eightht grade. Freshman Ximena Valenzuela Hernandez moved to West Liberty last year. She came from Columbus Junction, a similar town to West Liberty.
Although the decision to move to West Liberty was not easy, Ximena's mom Lulu Hernandez decided it was the best decision for her kids Ximena, Karol, and Juan. Her goal was to spend more family time with her children, but her commute from Columbus Junction to West Liberty impacted the time she could spend with her kids.
Ximena did not want to leave her friends and town behind, but the move ended up being nothing short of beneficial.
Even with the initial fears that Ximena had going to a new school district, Ximena ended up finding a welcoming school and community.
West Liberty quickly became her home. It was receptive to newcomers and made Ximena and her family feel like they belonged here.
One of the ways Ximena felt right at home was participating in sports. Athletics have always been a source of solace and personal growth for her.
She has participated in basketball, softball, cross country, track, football cheerleading, and is currently a wrestler. Wrestling, beyond the physicality of the sport, became a platform for Ximena to learn invaluable life lessons.
This mentally and physically demanding sport pushes her to the limits. She has wrestled for two seasons and when she began, she did not have advanced skills.
But through the support from her team and coaches Curt Diemer and Maddie Deprenger, Ximena enhanced her skills and recently achieved third place in the River Valley Conference Tournament!
Ximena learned that the battle is never on the mat, but in your mind. Wrestling has taught her life lessons that she will take with her wherever she goes.
The most important thing she learned was to have confidence in herself as well as be fearless in the mat and in life's battles. When Ximena participated in the RVC tournament, she felt like she was not going to advance, but as she moved up and became victorious, she realized the importance of never doubting yourself.
Ximena's journey wouldn't be complete without acknowledging the driving force behind her – her mother, Lulu.
She wants to make her mom proud and demonstrate that her hard work and sacrifices had paid off. This athlete dedicates her accomplishments to her mom.
As Ximena reflects on her freshman year, she offers advice to her peers: be kind and work hard. Being kind to people does not cost a thing and it could make someone's day.
Her favorite class is Spanish because it helps her improve my Spanish skills and enables better communication with her mom. This student is an inspiration of resiliency and embracing new beginnings as well as facing those things that make us get out of our comfort zone. West Liberty is glad this is your home Ximena!