BY HEIDI ZENEFSKI
Correspondent

Mountain View’s Amanda Moran is in her fifth year of running cross country and she is the Independent’s Student Athlete of the Week.

“I started running in cross country because my mom wouldn’t let me do basketball, even though they’re not in the same season, and I also thought I was a good runner,” Moran said.

It was a good call because Moran developed a passion for running.

“In cross country, I like to persevere through any obstacle, whether it is just trying to get over a big hill, or beating my best time, or even to just put my best foot forward. I also like the feeling of achievement,” she said.

Last season, she injured her knee but she’s making a comeback this year. Moran has set her eye on making it to states this year. “My best time so far this season is 24:46 for varsity cross country. For states I have to run at least 21 minutes.”

Running is a huge part of the Eagle senior’s life. In the winter she does indoor track and then participates on the track team in the spring. It’s a year-round sport for her which has paid off with the High Striver Award for her efforts.

But it has become more than a sport for Moran. “Over the years, cross country, (and) running in general, has become my stress-reliever.”

When she isn’t running, Moran continues to work hard in other aspects of her life.

“Outside of school I help my grandparents on their farm. I work with the cows and help put hay in. My grandmother does pay me, but only when I am in need of something,” she said. In addition to work on the farm, she lists taking care of the garden and flowers at her home and mowing the lawn as hobbies.
She is also involved in a music honor society called Tri-M.

Moran draws inspiration from two women in her life – my grandmother and mother.

“My grandmother inspires me because she has always been there for me and she has always understood my situations. She is one heck of a woman and she is the one who inspires me to live my life the way I want to. My mother also inspires me to connect with my inner-self because she is also determined to be a better person than she was the day before,” Moran said.

She is the daughter of Jeff and Staci Moran.

Moran has not yet decided her post-graduation plans yet but is considering joining the Air Force before going to college.

She is also considering a career as a writer. “I have even thought about becoming an author since many teachers have told me that my writing is good,” she said.

Moran does feel that she is good at giving advice on finding happiness life. “I just want anyone and everyone to know that life is not fair and we have to do things that we don’t like, but that should not stop us from achieving our goals. We must put one foot forward, and run with courage. We must learn to love and be kind, to make peace with not only others, but with ourselves. My goal in this life is to find purity and bliss in all things.”