Wichita Northwest athlete Sotia Barrientos interviewed with VYPE to discuss who she is.
VYPE: What are your personal goals for the year?
This year I plan to step back into some of the community service work I left behind. Last year I found myself isolated and introverted due to the rigor of my junior year. Now that I’m a senior, I want to reconnect more with my community and culture. The Wichita Community has been such a strong support system and has presented an important need for volunteers. I want to do more volunteer work and give back in whatever way I can. I also want to reconnect more with my Cambodian culture as I was once very involved and participated in performing at many cultural events. This year a big goal of mine is to participate and contribute to most cultural events soon to come.
VYPE: What is the most fun you have had in the last year?
Over the summer I was able to go to Zacatecas, Mexico, and visit family members. It was truly an amazing opportunity because I hadn’t been in so long and much had changed. It was like going back to my childhood because of the memories of the people and environment. When I was a kid my family
would go often and it felt like my second home. Overall, my favorite part of the trip was being able to reconnect with family members who I hadn’t seen in years. I hope to go back soon.
VYPE: Who is your favorite teacher from any grade, and why?
Ms.Callaway was my fifth-grade teacher. I remember how much she loved pigs; on the first day of school, the room was decked out in pig decor. Ms.Callaway cared for us students beyond what was asked of her and I always thought it was amazing that she was able to give us such kindness and love even though we were not her actual kids. When I am asked about a role model I’ve had, I think back and remember her kindness and patience. I’m forever grateful that she was my teacher.
VYPE: What is your favorite athletic memory?
It was my second day of golf and Coach Martin’s was teaching me how to hit the ball. Once I started to get the hang of it I picked up a driver not knowing what it was or how far it could send the ball. I took my swing and when I saw the ball go flying I was in awe of myself because I didn’t think I would be able to even hit the ball. Yet there it was, my ball flying through the air like I knew what I was doing. This was the day I decided I was going to be a golfer and give it my best.
VYPE: What teammate has left the biggest impression on you and why?
Yolanda Rodriguez Is one of my teammates who has truly been through all of the ups and downs of golf with me. We both began golf our sophomore year and had no idea what we were doing. Through blisters and terrible swings, we never gave up and we got better together. Yolanda’s patience and dedication
to perfecting her game is admirable and makes me want to play better. I don’t think I would be half the person or golfer I am today if not for her.
VYPE: What is your favorite part of being on this team?
My coach and teammates make every single practice worth being at. They are an incredibly kind and considerate group of people who look to improve without excluding anyone. Our team has people of many skill levels and I truly think we all enjoy being in each other’s company and have fun at practice. Our coach always tells us that if you’re not going to enjoy it don’t do it. It is my teammates who make the hard days of golf worth going through.
VYPE: You can pick any place for a summer vacation. Where do you go, and who do you take with you?
My dream place to go would be to Italy because I am in awe of the architecture and all of the movies I’ve seen set in Italy. I know if I ever were to go I would love it, all of the generous people and the food. The person who would definitely take me with me is my father because I would want to see the incredible parts of the world with a person who gave me the love, opportunities, and support to get me there.
VYPE: If we gave you $500 and you had to spend it in the next 24 hours, what would you spend it on?
As I am currently writing this it is October the 8th and tomorrow is my cousin Angelina’s birthday. If I were to be given $500 right now I would spend all $500 on her because money doesn’t even begin to describe how much she has given me. She is my absolute favorite person who threw trials and triumphs continues to be there for the people she loves.
VYPE: Do you participate in any community service projects?
Although I am currently not involved in any community service projects I do plan to get involved with my community very soon. As a student, I value my Education First and with some of the courses I’ve been taking a lot of my free time has been limited. Volunteering and community service work are definitely a part of my goals this year and I look forward to making them happen.
VYPE: What Clubs or Campus groups are you involved with and why?
At Northwest, I am in the band and a participating member of HALO. I’ve been in band since I was in 6th grade at Jardine Middle School. Today, I play the flute and I find being in band to be delightful. There is no family like a band family just because of how unique we all are. Being in HALO has also been incredible because it has been a way for me to connect back to my culture as a Hispanic. HALO has provided a generous amount of resources that have helped me and my family with the college process. I’m proud and thankful to be in both HALO and the band at Northwest.
VYPE: Are you involved in academic excellence activities such as the National Honor Society, Student Council, or other academic clubs?
I am a student in the Early College Academy at Northwest High School. It is a rigorous program that allows me to take classes at Friends University as a high school student. By earning dual credit I’m able to set myself up for a better future in college and save myself a bit of money. I won’t say that being in the Early College Academy has been easy, but it’s been worth it.
