Our People: Still reaching for stars

Zoe Morrison was born and raised in Portales. She is the daughter of Jon and Dona Skinner, also of Portales. She graduated from Portales High School in 2016 and is a student at Eastern New Mexico University.

She plans to pursue a career in nursing. Morrison also works as a Certified Nurse Aid at Heartland Continuing Care Center in Portales.

Ever since she was a little girl she has loved to sing and is happy and more than willing to accept any opportunity to sing. Morrison said that she will sing just about anywhere. She has performed in talent shows, in choirs, at church and at the 2016 Floyd Jamboree. She said she especially loved singing in the Jamboree because she loves to perform country music.

She made the All State Choir for four years in a row during high school. She has also sung the National Anthem for local events.

What's your idea of a perfect day?

My idea of a perfect day is one with lots of free time to practice singing and playing my guitar.

When you were a kid, what did you think you'd be doing as an adult?

When I was a kid, I thought that I would be auditioning on shows like "American Idol" or "The Voice" pursuing singing as a career.

What's your favorite song at the moment?

My favorite song at the moment is "Small Town Boy" by Dustin Lynch.

If you could master one instrument, what would it be?

If I could master an instrument, it would definitely be the guitar. I play a little but I would like to get better.

Tell us about your greatest individual accomplishment?

I feel like one of my greatest accomplishments is becoming a voice in The Floyd Jamboree because I was so nervous. But, being on the show has boosted my confidence in myself and has encouraged me not to give up on singing.

How do you feel when you are performing?

I get a little bit nervous before performing sometimes, but overall, the size of a crowd doesn't bother me. I just enjoy being able to share the songs that I'm singing with the audience, while having fun in the process.

Who is your favorite singer and why?

My favorite singer is Carrie Underwood because she has such an amazing, strong voice, and her songs tell so many great stories.

Who is someone that has had a big impact on your life?

Someone who has made a huge impact in my life is my great-grandma, Edna Morrison. She encourages me to do my best at everything I do and she is always there for me to talk to when I need advice.

Tell us about your most favorite place traveled?

My favorite place I've traveled to so far was recently to Cozumel, Mexico, on a cruise with some great friends of mine.

What do you envision your life being like in 10 years?

I envision myself having a bachelor's degree in nursing, working in an emergency room or operating room, possibly at a hospital in Lubbock.

- Compiled by CMI Correspondent D'Nieka Hartsfield