| What is your most memorable childhood experience? | My father once used the last of what he had earned to purchase a toy robot that I had wanted for a while. As we were in Cuba during the special period after the Soviet collapse, my family had to sacrifice quite a lot to make sure my sister and I grew up happy and well fed. |
| What immediate family member do you closely identify with and why? | I identify with my grandfather because he is analytical and is always eager to share anything that he is either working on concerning science. He works on philanthropic medical research and often goes to countries in need of doctors to provide guidance. His drive to help people and his scientific and charitable nature have made him more of a role model as I age. |
| What character traits do you admire in an individual? | I admire people who demonstrate warmth, caring, and restraint. I also respect those who are daring, as it takes real courage to care. Showing indifference is often the easier path. Choosing to care, despite the challenges, requires true strength. |
| What is the funniest thing ever to happen to you? | I was helping my crush in high school to move some heavy boxes for a school event. It was mostly her friends and me, and as I went to pick up the second box there was a loud ripping noise. My pants completely ripped in the crotch area, everyone had some fun, and I joined in on the laughter too. |
| If time and money were not an issue, where would you travel and why? | I think the real question is not time or money, but which responsibilities keep us from traveling and seeing the things we'd like to witness in life. I love traveling, so since time or money aren't limitations, I'd cheat and say I'd sail all over the world. |
| When and if you ever have children, what would you like to pass on to them? | I want them to be able to fully process situations and show compassion to those who deserve it. I am rational when necessary and able to think clearly in difficult moments. At the same time, I express care and love when I genuinely feel it. Balancing these traits allows me to respond thoughtfully in any situation, I'd hope for these traits to be present in my children. |
