By Desiree M. Cooper
Eastern New Mexico University’s Alesha Jones is a star in the making.
The 22-year-old senior has big dreams and is well on her way to accomplishing them.
Jones runs cross-country and track. She has improved as a runner every year, and she recently was voted “Greatest Zia.”
Being selected “Greatest Zia” is the highest honor a female athlete can receive at ENMU. The award is chosen once a year by all the coaches at ENMU.
Jones qualified for the 800 in Nationals last year. She is the first woman in the history of ENMU to make it to that prestigious event.
The Chase caught up with Jones and talked to her about her music career, education goals, and other interests.
Chase: What is your dream job?
Jones: I want to be a singer.
Chase: What is something people may not know about you?
Jones: I tried out for American Idol. It was an awesome experience. They told me my voice wasn’t matured enough yet. I was only 16, so they wanted me to come back.
Chase: Where do you see yourself in five years?
Jones: I want to get a master’s degree in Communicative Disorders. I’d like to work as a speech pathologist, possibly in Aztec, N.M. I’d like to have one kid…a girl.
Chase: What do you do for your job at the library?
Jones: I am a librarian’s assistant in Special Collections. I assist the supervisor. I check out books. I work every day.
Chase: Do you have a favorite book series?
Jones: I like Darynda Jones’ First Grave on the Right. I also like the Twilight series and The Hunger Games.
Chase: What types of hobbies do you have?
Jones: I love to sing. I’m always singing. I play music with my roommate. I like reading. When I can, I shoot around with a basketball.
Chase: Do you have a quote you live by?
Jones: I like the saying: “If you say that you can, or if you say that you can’t, you’re right.” I really believe it’s true, because I think that whatever you truly believe about yourself is what you will be. It is whom you are.
Chase: Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Jones: I’ve really enjoyed it at Eastern. I like the people here and the school. The program I am in is great. The sports and my coach are awesome.