| What is your most memorable childhood experience? | My most memorable childhood experience is riding with my grandfather on his motorcycle when I was 12 years old. I know now that he didn't have my parents’ permission, but even at the time I knew it was pushing the boundaries of what I was allowed to do. It was liberating, and it was probably my first real dose of adrenaline. I remember I couldn't stop smiling or laughing. I don’t think it is a coincidence that to this day I’m an avid fan of anything on two wheels, and I always have a motorcycle in my shed to take out on a nice day to relive that feeling. |
| What immediate family member do you closely identify with and why? | My only sibling is my brother, and he is older than me, but we are very close. We share similar interests (traveling, mountain biking, etc.), but we are very different in personality. Despite our differences, we completely trust each other and have daily conversations. He is a combination of protector and best friend, and I both look up to him and confide in him. |
| What character traits do you admire in an individual? | I admire individuals who aren’t driven by external rewards like money or approval from others. I respect people who have a natural curiosity and define their own values. Also, I think humility is often underrated as an important attribute, but it is very important to cultivate to keep a centered and rational view of the world. |
| What is the funniest thing ever to happen to you? | One time I noticed that my car had a fresh dent in the parking lot, and somebody had left a note with their contact info. When I looked at the name on the piece of paper it was my boss who had crashed into me! He didn't know what car I drove and so he had no idea. Needless to say, I went through a Seinfeld-type situation where I didn't know whether I should file an insurance claim or just let it go in order to score points at work. In the end I let it go, but not after informing my boss and making sure to note how moral and upright he had been for leaving a note. |
| If time and money were not an issue, where would you travel and why? | I've traveled a lot of South America, but one region stood out to me as a special place and one I'd like to go back to. The "Cordillera Blanca" region of Peru has the most beautiful section of the Andes Mountains. I'd like to travel there and do a proper week-long backpacking trip. |
| When and if you ever have children, what would you like to pass on to them? | If I have children, I'd like to teach them to be independent, and have a love of learning. I think that no matter what curve balls life throws at you, you will always be happy if you love learning and are self-sufficient. |
