Although she’s only age 6 and a kindergartner at Springs’ Orange County Quest Academy, Samantha Cornejo loves karate.
The Orange resident was drawn to the sport because of her father’s and brother’s participation in it, especially watching them attend tournaments and bring home trophies.
Samantha said, “I’m learning to defend myself and exercise. It’s not difficult because I practice a lot. And, my dad helps me to improve.” She participates in karate four times a week, three days in World Champion Karate and one day in Xtreme Martial Arts. Her mother, Esmeralda, likes to see Samantha involved in karate because it teaches her discipline and helps her in many other ways. Esmeralda explained, “They exercise, practice, and memorize routines. They must continually push themselves to improve to earn higher belts and win trophies.” When she’s not doing karate, Samantha likes to swim.
At school, Samantha’s favorite subject is math. Her family chose Springs because of its low student-to-teacher ratio, which gives Samantha ample one-on-one attention from the teacher. Samantha hopes to be a veterinarian when she grows up. She already has many animals at home, including a snake, cat, puppy (a pug) and hamsters.
