| What is your most memorable childhood experience? | One of the most unforgettable moments from my childhood was my first trip to Chicago with my aunt. Coming from a small town, the sight of towering skyscrapers and bustling city life left an indelible mark on my young mind. Everything seemed larger than life, from the lavish restaurants to the endless array of activities and attractions. Walking through the streets, I was mesmerized by the energy and diversity of the city, experiencing a world far removed from the quiet familiarity of home. This adventure opened my eyes to the vastness of the world beyond my small-town upbringing, sparking a sense of curiosity and wanderlust that has stayed with me ever since. |
| What immediate family member do you closely identify with and why? | The family member I closely identify with would have to be my grandfather. My grandfather’s story is a rather interesting, yet dark tale to reminisce on. At the age of 5 years old, his mother abandoned him and left him in the care of his grandmother. He failed four times to cross into the United States, with one of those attempts almost landing him in prison. When he finally arrived in the U.S., he had no job, no income, and only $120 in his pocket. And yet, despite every challenge he has ever faced, he continues to demonstrate an uncanny grit that has paved the way for lifelong success. Something I always admired about my grandfather was how much time he dedicated to spending quality moments with my cousins and me. I’ll never forget the moments sitting in his room, listening to the strums of his acoustic guitar, and jamming out to our favorite Eagle’s songs. Or watching our favorite old-school cartoons on a 30-inch television, reading old comics he had stored under his bed. My grandfather is the textbook definition of who I strive to be in my life. A person who never holds on to their past failures, who looks ahead at the opportunities, but more importantly, takes the time to spend quality moments with the people close to him. If it were not for the wise words or the times spent with my grandfather, my drive to become a better version of who I am today would cease to exist. |
| What character traits do you admire in an individual? | The character traits I admire most in an individual are the ability to be tenacious in the face of obstacles, maintain integrity in situations that may challenge your morals, and have the drive to continue learning. I truly pride myself in my ability to get things done, whether that is a project for a class or completing an interview for a potential internship opportunity. I believe thinkers make the world revolve around itself, but doers make the world move forward. As a student of life and within the academic space, learning is my greatest passion. Acquiring new knowledge and challenging your status quo is one of the most admirable qualities to have. |
| What is the funniest thing ever to happen to you? | The funniest thing to ever happen to me was failing to impress a girl at a party by unsuccessfully backflipping off a DJ’s table. During my freshman year of college, I had a huge crush on this girl who was in one of my student organizations. At our “start of the semester” get-together, I told her that if I could do a backflip onto a table, she would have to give me her number. So, in my inebriated state of mind, I climbed onto the DJ’s table set, where he had all his equipment and tools, and just as I was going for the most graceful backflip of my life, I tripped on my shoelace and landed face first onto DJ’s speaker. I left that night with two knots on my face, one utterly embarrassing moment, and zero chances of winning her over. |
| If time and money were not an issue, where would you travel and why? | I would travel to Mars. I would take the leap of faith, entrust my life in the hands of billionaire psychopaths Elon Musk or Richard Branson, and book my roundtrip ticket to Mars. I would love to be among the first to travel to a distant planet and see for myself what sorts of activities or spectacles there are to discover. The age-old question of whether life truly exists outside our planet would finally be put to rest. |
| When and if you ever have children, what would you like to pass on to them? | If I were to have children in the future, one of the most significant legacies I would aim to pass on to them is the family business that I aspire to build and run. I envision instilling in them the values of entrepreneurship, hard work, and innovation, ensuring they are equipped to carry on our family's legacy. Beyond material wealth, I would strive to impart invaluable life lessons centered on the pursuit of truth and understanding in this complex world. I believe in nurturing their curiosity, critical thinking skills, and empathy, guiding them to navigate life's challenges with resilience and integrity. Ultimately, my aspiration is for them to inherit not just the tangible assets but also the wisdom and principles that define our family's journey. |
