February 24, 1986

The name is J.R. Ortega. I'm 24 years old and have an insatiable passion for journalism and life itself.

I received my bachelors in journalism from The University of Texas-Pan American with a concentration in print and minor in English. At UTPA, I served as the editor in chief of The Pan American student newspaper. I also held an internship with Festiva at The Monitor and have held various freelance jobs.

I searched high and low through various newspapers across Texas and landed on the Victoria Advocate. I value the paper's dedication and journalistic ethic and hope I am able to provide Victoria and its surrounding community with a great dose of news.

Beyond the quality of the paper, I have taken an affinity to the city and its historical beauty and landscaping.

I enjoy spending time with friends and family, as most people do. On my spare time, I enjoy traveling, reading, creative fiction/non-fiction writing, paranormal activity, practicing piano and just living life and going on adventures that normally stay in the depths of my mind.

Hello, Victoria.

-J.R.

La Feria, Texas

Trance/Progressive

Wally Lamb's "I Know This Much is True"