My name is Tracey Nateras

Born in:  Evanston, IL

Family heritage from (what part of Mexico):

CD Hidalgo, Michoacan Mexico [My family descendants are from Spain.]

What are you currently doing in life (school/work):

I am currently a Junior at Lockport Township High School. I am in the process of looking for a job. I will hopefully obtain one by the time classes resume.

What do you want to do in life (career):

My senior year of high school I am planing to attend Cosmetology school. With God's help, after I graduate I would like to continue school at a chosen University. My plan in career, as of now, may not just be a cosmetologist my whole life. I love working with kids so that may have to do with my final career choice. No one knows what God's plans are for each one of us and with that said I believe that God will guide me towards what he wants me to do.

Why did you want to become a Candidate for Queen:

As a queen I will do anything I can to help out our community in which we stand. I would love to work with and help out kid; especially, because as the new generation they need the support. I look forward to being able to accompany kids. I will represent, with much effort from everyone, a role model for the younger girls to look up to. I as high school student will most definitely help students into obtaining many different scholarships. As well as, anything else to help our land stay green, the more, the merrier. I appreciate any help given to me and/or any other candidate, because we're all here for the same reason. As for that I hope God blesses all of us in what we do. I am not doing this for publicity or to have my name in history, but for the good of God's people. Whether or not I win, I will show my support and try to accomplish what I have said. If it is not the public who will see me; God will.

What life experience have to learn that by telling this story would help someone else:

I know of a little girl who grew thinking her family was the best at least that's what she thought. She grew older spending most of her time with her mother, grandmother [mom's mother], and her three older siblings. They laughed, played games, and ate cake. Her father, you ask, sometimes was just too busy with work or maybe just maybe something else she could never come across to imagine. As the little girl grew older she spent less and less time with her father. He wasn't the type to show his love and affection for others. Day by day she wondered if she would ever receive a non-forced hug from him, a birthday where he would actually say 'Happy Birthday', or even an 'I love you'. It got to point where she would stand on that stage, look out to the audience and only see her mother. He wasn't always busy, because at a time in life they all went out as the family they were. Years later the little girl at fifteen, horrifyingly found out something that by the thought changed her view towards her father. That truth was even harder to say in the story and I ask you try not to guess. What I will say is that no matter the situation stand tall with your head up high. Many people don't receive the love from one or both parents or even their entire family. Sometimes it's because they grow up in the orphanage. I in Catholic faith, highly encourage everyone to get closer to God. How do you do that? Start off by saying a simple good morning and/or hello to everyone you encounter, even if you don't know them. A simple wave can go a long way. Who knows you might just make someone's day. Along the way help others especially those in need. It will not only make you feel better, but others too. Attend mass every Sunday. An hour of your time every week is not much to ask. I can assure you that if pay really close attention during mass you will learn plenty. God will talk to you in many ways that's touching to the heart. It may not seem as something cool that teens do, but your wrong. I've seen even up to 2,000 teens praising God for his glory. In his readings; although it's hard to interpret, they give you all the advice needed for any problem occurring in your life. Whether the problem is recent or something that's been at you for years. That little girl learned a lot from God and although life continues with all it's hardness you'll find a smile on her face. That little girl is someone I read of in a story where life's obstacles are worse or just the same as anyone else in this world. They say it takes more effort to put a frown on your face than a smile. :]

What is a role model to you:

A role model, is not a made up fantasy as what many kids are taught now. A role model for me, is someone who works hard in life. A person who tries with much effort to achieve their dreams and what they believe in. It's someone who is loving to everyone including their enemies. My role model is my family, others in the world, and God. We all have a special quality in us.

What advice would you give other youths who are troubled in life:

I say work hard and keep your head up. Many difficulties will overpass you, may they be easy or hard, but it can only get worse if you do nothing about it. I know how it is when you feel as if nothing can ever go right again, as if for some reason it is always you. I'll be very open about this and say that drugs, alcohol, fights, etc. is NOT for whatever reason going to better you in any problem. Talk to people who you trust and know that things may not get better the next day, but I assure you it will take much off your back. No one said you had to carry that cross alone.