March is Women’s History Month, a time to recognize the vital contributions, achievements, and sacrifices of women in our communities. While some have already cemented their legacies, others continue to lay the groundwork and blueprint for the next generation.
The Peekskill Herald is proud to spotlight Women Who Champion Our Champions, a series highlighting the individuals working behind the scenes in local athletics.
Peekskill Herald (PH) > In your everyday life, what is the thing that inspires you?
Sheyla Cortorreal > In my everyday life, the thing that inspires me the most is my mother. She inspires me to try new things, but also be cautious with everything I do. She also shows me to have fun and to always love at the end of the day, no matter what the situation is. At the end of every lifetime I’m born in, she will always be my biggest inspiration.
PH > What brings you the most joy?
Sheyla Cortorreal > What brings me the most joy is making people happy, and for me that’s through the form of photography and playing sports. As a sports photographer with the Peekskill Herald, it has opened me to many new opportunities to make connections with so many people throughout town and in school. While I attend Hendrick Hudson High school, I also capture sports at our school. It has allowed me to view things from different perspectives and bring joy to parents and athletes here at Hen Hud and also at Peekskill High School. Although I take photos of sporting events, I also participate in sports. I’ve played softball for over seven years now, and it has brought me through a series of challenges, although it also brings me the most amount of joy.
PH > What’s the best advice you’ve ever gotten?
Sheyla Cortorreal > Some of the most simple and upright advice I’ve ever received is, “Focus on what you can control.” This advice is simple but can travel a long way. It helps to alleviate stress by shifting focus more towards what I can control rather than what I cannot control at the moment. I’ve used this in situations where I need to focus on getting a task done rather than trying to get the next three tasks done at the same time.
PH > What advice would you give that you believe is key?
Sheyla Cortorreal > Some advice I would give to anyone is, “Just because God is in your boat, doesn’t mean you won’t face any storms. It just means your boat won’t sink.” It means just because you are with God or you have a perfect plan, doesn’t mean life will always be easy, but you will never give up. It will always be a quote I will live by because as a strong believer of God, he is always first. It’s also a way to remind myself to keep pushing because it is all a part of the process, and there is no easy way down the road.
PH > What legacy do you want to leave behind?
Sheyla Cortorreal > I want to leave behind a legacy of kindness and creativity. I hope people remember me as someone who always tried to make others smile and who wasn’t afraid to express myself through my work. I’d love for my creations to inspire others to pursue their passions, work as hard as they can to make it to where they dream of being, and to be a reminder to themselves that they are their own reason why they are here today.
