In less than a year to get adjusted to “American Life,” Columbian born Ingrid Parrack was crowned Blanket High School’s 2014 Homecoming Queen on Friday.

Ingrid was adopted from Colombia prior to her 16th birthday. She had been in an orphanage there since she was eleven. Part of the adoption process required that her new parents Roy and Charlotte Parrack  live in Colombia for the entire legal process, which took almost 8 weeks.  This lengthy process turned out to be a blessing of sorts, allowing Ingrid to form a bond and trust in her new parents before they brought her back home to the United States.

Ingrid recently turned 17 and is currently a freshman at Blanket ISD.  Although she is academically behind most 17-year-old Americans, according to her parents, she is studying hard and proudly exhibits her grades when an assignment is mastered.

Her new mom Charlotte explained that she spoke no English when she came here, and had to adjust to family life after a difficult childhood and living in an orphanage.

“There was so much that she didn’t know or understand, that we had to start at square one.  Food, clothing, climate, and customs were all new to her.  Yet, you’d never guess she has ever had any difficulty because she has a sweet spirit and always a smile on her face,” said Charlotte.  “Blanket has been amazing. They gave her plenty of time her first year to just get acclimated. They are diligently working to help her catch up academically, and she is making tremendous strides.”

Her new family lovingly calls her “DingaD” because the youngest granddaughter was not able to say her name and “DingaD” is what she called her, so it stuck.  In her new family, Ingrid has two married sisters living in the area, Angela Dozier and Melissa Sosebee, whom she is very close to, along with their husbands and extended family.  The Parracks stated that her five nieces and nephews simply adore her and for the first time in her life, she has grandparents.

Since she arrived in the United States, Ingrid has enjoyed Disney World, a beach vacation, her first prom, as well as small and simple things like going to the movies, riding a four wheeler, or catching her first fish.

“She eagerly takes it all in and enjoys every moment as though it were a dream,” said Charlotte.  “Everything she experiences allows us to enjoy seeing it through her eyes and gives us such great joy.”

Her family said that Ingrid loves to watch TV, something most of us take for granted.  They explained that American gadgetry and electronics are not an everyday part of an orphan’s life in Colombia.  Her favorite things are science fiction and fantasy, and she loves going to the movies. She also enjoys reading and listening to music.

“So far, she hasn’t allowed herself to dream of a big future, but she has expressed that she would like to be a writer some day,” said Charlotte. “No doubt, when she masters the English language, being bilingual will open many doors for her.”

Life in Blanket, Texas is quite different than that of her homeland, explained Charlotte.

“Girls in Colombia have little opportunity at a future worth living, and those who are institutionalized and released on the streets at her age, have none.  We feel like God granted us an opportunity.  She blesses our lives and reminds us of how fortunate we are to live in America,” Charlotte stated.  “Whether or not she won, we were so proud of her for being nominated by her peers, because it says so much about her. Homecoming Queen as a Freshman?  Yes, that’s huge for Ingrid and her forever family.”