Today we’d like to introduce you to Rocio Cortez.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Currently, I’m a first year Grad student at Texas State University getting my Masters of Science in wildlife ecology. Born and raised in the Strawberry Capital of Poteet, Texas, I was lucky to have lived in an area primarily surrounded by ranchland and farms. This is where my love for agriculture and wildlife began. The devastating wildfires happening in California and Australia were pivotal in my decision to continue my education in wildlife ecology. Reading articles of people risking their lives to help animals evacuate dangerous areas is what sparked my passion to pursue an idea I had to help people and wildlife. Fast forward to being in grad school, I’m now doing research on communication networking between wildlife rescue and rehabilitation organizations and first responders during disaster events.
Outside of research, I began making content of other passions of mine. Passions like Jiu-jitsu, physical fitness, mental health, creativity, and personal development. A lesson I’ve learned recently is maintaining balance. I grew up believing hard work will always lead to success. What I’ve discovered is rest, reflection, and recovery are essential components to success and happiness. Sharing my wins and struggles over social media showed me, I’m not alone. Creating a platform where I can share my journey focused on inner peace, self-love, and gratitude, I began making connections with others who are on the same journey of self-improvement as I am. I won’t let fear, perfectionism and wanting to be liked to get in the way of sharing my message.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
This journey has been anything but smooth. I’ve had plenty of setbacks and moments of doubt. There’s been days I let my emotions get the best of me. It’s easy to get caught up in negativity but at some point, you have to say when enough is enough. I have to remind myself that I’m not perfect but I am dedicated and I know I have what it takes. We all have goals and sometimes life throws us curve balls. We lose friends, loved ones, and sometimes it feels like we’re losing ourselves. Don’t worry, growth is painful. Just remember why you started in the first place and keep going.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Currently, I’m working as a digital creator and as a research assistant. Creating content online and going to grad school can sometimes feel like I’m in a dream. Others days, I don’t how I’m able to manage. Creating content is a passion that has taught me skills in communication, networking and has built my creative side in photography and videography. Working on research has helped me gain more knowledge in communication methods within and between organizations dealing with emergency response and wildlife. What I’m most proud of is the skills I’ve gained and the amazing people I’ve met along the way. I think what sets me apart from others is the vastly different passions I have.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I never viewed myself as a risk-taker until recently. Moving away to grad school felt like a huge risk for me with the uncertainty of living and income. Posting on social media and making content in public felt like a risk because I knew how uncomfortable it would make me feel. With risk, you will have moments of fear and doubt. With risk, you give yourself an opportunity to grow and get better. Just remember that you are always worth that risk.
Pricing:
- Feed Post: $100
- Story Post: $50
- Reel: $100
Contact Info:
- Email: rociocorteztexas@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rockin_rocio/
