Singing about the 'Good Life'

Andrew James Ancira was born in Albuquerque and raised in Clovis for most of his life. He is the son of Monica Ancira and Christopher Harris, both of Clovis. He comes from a blended family of five sisters and one brother. Three sisters are from his father's side, two sisters and his brother are from his mother's side.

Ancira had been open about his struggles during adolescence. His father has been in prison for most of his life. He troubles ranged from fighting at school to selling drugs. He found himself appearing before a judge who he said gave him a second chance.

At age 17, he said he accepted Jesus into his heart and has since straightened out his life. Today, Ancira works at a transport company as a dock employee. He and other employees pray together most mornings before they start the day.

Ancira is a husband and father of four. When he is not working he enjoys Christian hip hop with a group of friends he met in Clovis. He has toured all over New Mexico performing and testifying with his Christian group. He is also involved in the group's local outreach in the Clovis and Portales area.

What do you do when you're not working?

Most of my time is spent with my daughters, my baby boy, and beautiful wife. Other times I'm recording music or sleeping.

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

As a kid I was always fascinated with science. So I had the dream to become a scientist.

How would you describe yourself in one word?

Passionate.

What's your favorite taste?

Chinese food.

Tell us about your greatest individual accomplishment?

Winning first prize at a talent show at the age of 12. I performed a song I wrote called "Good Life." The song is about how despite the rough circumstances I was growing up in that I was going to strive for a better future. I dedicated it to the Parker family because my two friends, Tony and Mariah, had lost their father.

What's your favorite song at the moment?

"Reckless Love" by Cory Asbury.

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

I'd like to master the drums. I played the clarinet briefly in the sixth grade but I was terrible at it.

What's your favorite TV show, past and present?

"Naruto" or "Boruto Anime."

What's your idea of a perfect day?

Putting God first and showing love to others.

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

Pastoring a church.

— Compiled by The News Correspondent D'Nieka Hartsfield