| What is your most memorable childhood experience? | I was about 7 years old and still heavily believed in the existence of Santa Claus. Alongside my siblings and all my cousins, one could feel the excitement for Christmas morning. My father and uncles decided to wake up extra early to place gifts under the tree. Most importantly, they had a plan to make it an extra special Christmas at my grandmother’s house. It had snowed for the first time in 10 years, so they purchased a sled and pushed it from corner-to corner down the street to mimic tracks left behind by Santa’s sleigh. I couldn’t contain my excitement and joy, so much so that I bragged about my visit from Santa to my classmates. |
| What immediate family member do you closely identify with and why? | I’ve had the absolute pleasure of growing alongside my oldest sister from grade school into adulthood. She has constantly played the role of my biggest support system from relationship advice to career ventures. She’s always been there to lend a helping hand. We’ve always been there for each other throughout life’s different milestones. |
| What character traits do you admire in an individual? | Resilience is amongst the most important traits that I admire in an individual as it demonstrates the ability to keep pushing forward despite adversity. In addition, I appreciate honesty because it also exemplifies trustworthiness. I have a great respect for individuals who can be honest in difficult moments. |
| What is the funniest thing ever to happen to you? | It’s funny that as children, we always think we know best. A very significant memory with my mother came by way of a silly haircut. I was about 9 years old when we walked into the hair salon for the first time together. Because my father would always cut my hair, I wasn’t sure what to ask for, so my mom did so in my place. At the reveal of the haircut, I could not believe what my mother had done to me. I went home and cried myself to sleep, completely devastated. After 2 weeks’ worth of compliments, I went back to the hair salon and asked for the same cool haircut. |
| If time and money were not an issue, where would you travel and why? | I would travel to Mexico City to further experience my culture, more specifically, my native heritage. I would like to learn more about their practices, religious rituals, and overall camaraderie. This would also give me the opportunity to hone my passion for cooking, most notably, all the wonderful Mexican dishes prepared by my mother and generations before her. |
| When and if you ever have children, what would you like to pass on to them? | I do believe that the value of family is important, but unfortunately I do not see myself having children, so I cannot properly address the question. |
