Person of the Week

by Amanda Spears,

Staff Reporter

This interview was such an amazing one, this young lady is absolutely amazing.

Q.) Can you tell me a little about yourself?

A.) My name is Maria. I have been in Hohenwald 25 years. When we moved from North Carolina, I was so nervous and scared because I didn't have any family or friends here. My husband told me if we don't like it we could move back. But let me tell you, I fell in love with Hohenwald and all the wonderful people that have become family to me. Sadly, I lost my husband almost 11 years ago. We had five children. They all live in Murfreesboro and always ask me to move there. I tell them Hohenwald is home.

Q.) Where did you grow up?

A.) I grew up in Mexico.

Q.) What is one of your fondest childhood memories?

A.) When I was able to ride my bike through the streets of Mexico, because it was so much safer then.

Q.) What did you want to be as a kid? What did you actually become?

A.) I always wanted to be an algebra teacher, but my father passed away and me, being the second oldest, I had to go to work and help support my family. I became a mom of five amazing children and a waitress.

Q.) Who was/ is your biggest role model?

A.) My father. He was an amazing man, hard working, so good to us and my mom. He was such a humble and kind man. Also my mother. She became a widow when she was 36. In Mexico there is no help for families. She overcame so much.

Q.) What are some of your favorite hobbies/how do you like to spend your free time?

A.) I love to run, play Candy Crush and watch TV.

Q.) If you could go anywhere, in or out of the states, where would it be? Why?

A.) There are so many different countries that I would love to see, I can't pick just one. I would love to learn all the different ways of living in all the countries around the world.

Q.) What is your favorite music?

A.) I listen to Mexican music, country music and relaxing music. Don't have a favorite.

Q.) What is one of your favorite things about living in Hohenwald?

A.) This is the best place. I feel more at home here than I did in my home in Mexico. I feel so loved here. When I lost my husband the love that was shown to me was amazing. Everyone is like family. The people are so supportive here. When my husband was sick, everyone helped me so much. When my family comes to visit, they love it here too. The community is family.

Q.) What is your favorite time of year? Why?

A.) Spring and summer. Everything is coming back to life.

Q.) What do you enjoy most about your job?

A.) Serving people, making their lunch hour, dinner date or whatever the reason special. I love helping and giving.

Q.) Do you have a nickname?

A.) Yes I do, a lot of them too. Nena, Malena, Magda, Male, Maria and Madalena.

Q.) Is there any life advice you could give to our readers?

A.) Enjoy the moment because you never know when it will be your last.

Q.) Is there anything you would like to add that my questions may not have touched on?

A.) I am so grateful for this little community and so thankful for those that voted me Person of the Week.