Our people: A childhood on the move

Jeanette Orrantia, 47, was born in Portales but spent much of her childhood moving because her father was in the military.

Between her father's deployments, Orrantia often returned to Portales and spent her third- and seventh-grade years here, until her sophomore year of high school when the family returned permanently.

After graduating high school in 1991, Orrantia went to New Mexico State University for a bachelor's degree in business administration with an emphasis in marketing. She also received her master's degree in arts and management at Wayland Baptist University.

She's had public relations and marketing jobs around Las Cruces, El Paso and Albuquerque.

Her husband, Rojelio, and her moved back to Portales in 2003. Orrantia has two children, Asia Chavez, 19, and Gabriel Orrantia, 10.

Jeanette Orrantia has worked at the Roosevelt General Hospital as the director of the marketing, planning, and public relations department for two years.

"I really wanted a position where I could come back to my hometown community and make a difference. I feel like this is the best job for me," she said.

What job would you be terrible at?

I could never be a teacher. I do well with adults and young adults but when it comes to children, I don't have the patience that teachers have.

What skill would you like to master?

Cooking. I watch cooking shows 24/7. I relax by turning on the Food Network or cooking show. If there's nothing on there I get on YouTube. It would be fun to be a master chef.

Why did you decide to do the work you are doing now?

I love marketing. I have been passionate about marketing ever since I took my first marketing class in college. I remember thinking this is exactly what I want to do. I love every aspect about marketing from marketing plans, promotional, purchasing, advertising, public speaking, meeting new people, and socializing.

If you didn't have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?

Probably shop and decorate. I love decorating.

What is one thing you think everyone should do at least once in their lives?

I think everybody should go on a hot air balloon ride. I was in pubic relations for PNM in Albuquerque and they had a balloon in the Balloon Fiesta. They usually have it for the clients, but one of the clients couldn't make it and they allowed staff to go up in it. It was one of the most amazing feelings in the world. You feel like you're floating. You can see everything from a bird's eye view, and it's so peaceful.

What's the best thing you got from your parents?

I was very fortunate that both my parents are together. One of the values that they taught me was about Christianity. No matter what storms that you go through, God is always there for you, he never leaves you, if anything we leave him. My parents have always instilled that in me since I was young. Now I'm trying to pass that onto my children.

What's the best and worst thing about getting older?

Worst thing is that time flies by. The best thing about getting older is you really get to find yourself. You learn what is really important, what you can bring to life, what your purpose is.

What personality trait do you value the most in someone?

Honesty. I think honesty is important because once you're dishonest you build up barriers and it's harder to maintain good relationships. I think anything is fixable and even if you feel like being honest will hurt someone, in the long run I think it's always better. Honesty is a very important virtue.

- Compiled by Correspondent

Nicole Trujillo