Johnathan Renteria was recently crowned the 2018-19 Rey at Eastern New Mexico University. He is studying criminal justice with a minor in Spanish.

The sophomore shares what being named Rey means to him:

Why did you decide to run for Rey?

Because in my family history, no one has really tried to go for something in specific, so I thought it'd be great to change that and give a meaning to my family's name.

What was the process of becoming Rey?

Nothing really, it was a simple process, I signed up and waited for the day of the Rey and Reina competition. I then performed a song and presented the Spanish Club Sombrero that was handed down to me when I became the president of the ENMU Spanish Club.

What does it mean to you to be named Rey?

It means so much to me because like I said before, no one really remembers my family by anything, so giving my family's name royalty really means a lot to me.

What are your responsibilities as Rey?

I have to attend different presentations for different cultures and dedicate two hours a week to the Office of Multicultural Affairs. For example, I am going to represent the Hispanic culture as royalty at the Native American banquet.

What part of being Rey do you look forward to the most?

Finding out more about the Hispanic culture and learning about different cultures.

What advice do you have for students who may be interested in running for Rey?

Embrace your culture and don't be afraid to go for something that you really want in life.

Which organizations are you involved in?

I am a member of the Greyhound Sound Marching Band, and I am also the Spanish Club president at ENMU.

I am a cook at Something Different Grill. Back in my hometown in Roswell, New Mexico, I volunteered at my church St. John's.

What do you hope to pursue as a career?

I hope I become an agent of the DEA in the future.

What do you hope to ultimately achieve in your career?

I really haven't looked that far ahead, but I hope one day I get to be a secret agent for an important person in the United States.

Besides a career, what other dreams do you have?

Become an artist and play music in front of thousands of people or become a professional soccer player and play for FIFA.

Which high school did you attend and year did you graduate?

I attended Roswell High School and graduated in 2017.

Tell us about your family.

Both of my parents are from Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico. I have two older siblings and one younger sibling. I am the first of my family in history on both sides of the family to go to college.

What are your hobbies?

I love to play numerous instruments like the guitar, drum set, accordion and the violin. I have played 12 years of soccer but stopped in high school. I love to cook.

Why did you choose ENMU?

I chose ENMU because it was close to home and I heard it was a great school for criminal justice from one of my teachers in high school and because they have the best music program in the state of New Mexico.

What are some reasons you would recommend ENMU to future students? 

There are different cultures you can learn about every day, and it's a safe and fun town to live in for your experience in college.

Other thoughts?

 Go Hounds!