interview by Jess McCuan . photo by Matt Rose

Name: Lorca Lechuga-Haeseler

Age: 22

Where did you get such an unusual name? My father’s from Spain. My mother is German. Lorca is from Federico García Lorca, the Spanish poet. They thought it was a nice way to tie me back to my Spanish roots.

Do you always drink cocktails? I’m more of a beer drinker. We have our own homebrew operation at home. My roomate is Israeli and he does funny ones—the Jew Brews.

Would you like to be a brewmaster? No, I don’t do the brewing. I just enjoy it. My dream job—I’m graduating in two months—I want to find a nonprofit that works with communities, fighting for social justice.

What could Asheville use less of? It could use less social and environmental activism through consumerism. Although it’s great to shop locally, people need to be conscious that, not only should you purchase things, but you should also be active. Call your representative, take to the streets, demand social justice. A lot of times we give ourselves pats on the backs, like—“I bought fair trade coffee today.” There’s so much more to be done.