Brianna Campbell / The Collegian
Senior William Menchaca has been interested in the medical field since high school. He used to play football, soccer and baseball at Washington Union High in Easton, Calif., south of Fresno.
Since starting at California State University, Fresno in 2005, Menchaca strived to be an athletic trainer. While in high school, Menchaca tore the meniscus in both of his knees as a freshman. His playing days were never the same.
After months of rehabilitation, Menchaca was determined to help other athletes cope with their injuries. At Fresno State, Menchaca is in the sports medicine program and also volunteers there.
Menchaca has interned with the sports teams Fresno Fuego and the Fresno Grizzlies, as well as with Clovis East High School as an athletic trainer. Next semester, Menchaca hopes to get into the athletic training program so he can turn his experiences into a successful career.
Q: What did you want to be when you were younger?
A: When I was younger, I always dreamed of becoming a doctor so I can help people and change the world.
Q: If you had superpowers what would they be?
A: I would probably want to be like Superman. The only bad thing is the whole kryptonite thing. I would also like to have the superpower or ability to know everything, so that way I wouldn̢۪t have to study.
Q: What is your biggest pet peeve?
A: The biggest pet peeve that I have has to be when people are talking on the phone while paying or ordering something! I mean, it is just so annoying and very rude to the cashiers.
Q: What would people find surprising about you?
A: Something that people might find surprising about me is that I actually like watching E! on TV. I like to keep up with celebrity life.
Q: Who is the most influential person in your life?
A: My mother and father have been the most influential people in my life. They have shown me what hard work is and how to make the best of things when things get tough!
Q: What do you do in your spare time?
A: I really don̢۪t have any spare time but when I used to have time, I would just hang out with my girlfriend, work out and play video games. Now all I do is study, study, study.
Q: What are you passionate about?
A: I would have to say that I am passionate about learning and gaining experience for my major through my internships. I’m just very dedicated to my future career in becoming an athletic trainer.