Golden Warrior Nominee- Erick Ochoa

Erick Ochoa

Matriculated from: Oak Grove Middle School

Favorite Subject: Math, because it challenges me and pushes me to make sure I understand every lesson. 

Most Challenging Class this Year: IB Math Study

Future Path Plans: Attend college and play intercollegiate soccer

Favorite place to vacation: Las Vegas

What he likes most about being a Warrior: That we all have a voice and have the freedom to express ourselves as a whole community. 

In five years he hopes to: Be out of college working in the medical industry. 

Favorite Weekend Activity: Spending time with my family and friends

Favorite place to eat: Mi Lindo Apatzingan - Mexican Restaurant in Rio Linda

Inspirational Figure: My parents, because they are really hard working and they devote themselves to making sure that my sister and I are healthy and on the right track

Best tip for success to Underclassmen: Don't let fear stop you from stepping outside of your comfort zone. Sit in the student section at the football games, go to prom, dress up for spirit week, experience high school. Make a difference, take the time to give back to others even if it is in a small way, go out and volunteer. And lastly, don't stress about the things you can't change. Life goes on. 

His Top Contributions to the School and Community: 

• Winning the first NCS championship for boys soccer in school history
• Volunteer for the Special Olympics
• Volunteer for the White Pony Express
• Interact club member
• Soccer captain

One Staff Member he will never forget: I have too many teachers and staff that have positively influenced me throughout high school to only choose one. 

What he feels makes a great leader: Someone who is optimistic, confident, focused, compassionate, supportive and fearless. A leader is someone who brings out the best in you in the moments when you think you have given it your all. 

Someone who embodies these qualities: My mother. She is always there to give me that extra push whenever she sees me tired or frustrated and that confidence to reassure me that everything I set my mind to I can do. 

Something that YVHS does really well: I think YV really sets the example for all of its students to believe in themselves and achieve their dreams. 

Something YV could do even better: I would say making sure that everyone is involved in some way in the school community whether its by volunteering or helping out in some other way. I believe everyone should have the chance to make a difference on campus. 

One thing he wants to improve for himself: Managing my time more wisely

Something he has always wanted: To graduate from college with a degree in the medical field and buy my parents a house. 

One skill he could teach anyone: Patience- because I believe that God's timing is perfect and what you are working hard for will eventually come. 

If he could do high school all over again, the one thing he would change would be... I honestly wouldn't change a thing. 

Quote of the Moment: "Do what is right, not what is easy or popular."