| What is your most memorable childhood experience? | One of my most memorable childhood experiences was during the snowy winters. I remember the excitement of waking up to a world transformed by a fresh blanket of snow, knowing it meant a day off from school. My brother, friends, and I would gear up and head outside for epic snowball fights. We’d also lay back to make snow angels, gazing up at the gray sky, and marvel at the peaceful quiet that the snow brought to the usually bustling city. Those days felt magical, as if time slowed down to allow us to enjoy every moment of the winter wonderland. I was eight years old during those memorable snow days. During Christmas the city was bright and the Christmas tree in the town square was my favorite sight. It stood tall and proud, adorned with colorful lights and shiny ornaments. It felt like the city was taking a big breath and holding it, letting us enjoy the magic of winter and the joy of the holiday season. Making my first snow angel was so much fun. I remember laying down in the fresh, fluffy snow, feeling its coldness through my jacket. It was like lying on a giant, chilly pillow. Making snow angels is fun and easy, and when you stand up and look at your art, you can’t help but feel happy about your creation. |
| What immediate family member do you closely identify with and why? | I closely identify with my brother. We’re close in age, which means we’ve shared a lot of the same experiences growing up, and we have a strong bond. Both of us chose to join the military, which has brought us even closer together as we understand the challenges and rewards of that life. We have similar interests and a shared sense of humor, which makes spending time together easy and fun. We were in the same area during basic training so we would see each other sometimes. We understand the jargon. We push each other to be better people. It made our brotherhood even stronger. My brother and I share several qualities that make our relationship strong. We both have of good sense of humor, which means we can laugh together and lighten up any situation. We’re also both committed and disciplined, traits we developed through our military experiences, which help us understand each other’s challenges and goals. Additionally, we share similar interests and values, which makes spending time together enjoyable and meaningful. Our close age and shared experiences growing up have also created a deep, supportive bond between us. A specific memory that really highlights the bond I have with my brother is when we used to help our mother cook in the kitchen while growing up. We’d team up to chop vegetables, stir pots, and occasionally sneak tastes of whatever we were making. Those moments weren’t just about preparing a meal, they were a chance for us to work together, joke around, and share stories. We’d often end up laughing so hard that we’d almost make a mess, but it was all part of the fun. Those kitchen adventures are special to me because they showed how well we collaborate and enjoy each other’s company, creating lasting memories in the process. |
| What character traits do you admire in an individual? | I admire honesty and loyalty in an individual. Honesty is important because it builds trust and creates genuine connections with others. Loyalty, on the other hand, is about standing by someone’s side through thick and thin, showing steadfast support and commitment. Loyalty is crucial because it fosters trust and stability in relationships. When someone is loyal, they stand by others through challenges and successes, which builds a deep sense of mutual support and reliability. Honesty is essential because it forms the foundation of trust in any relationship. When people are honest, they communicate transparently and build credibility, which helps others feel secure and respected. Honesty also fosters clear and open communication, reducing misunderstandings and conflicts. |
| What is the funniest thing ever to happen to you? | The funniest thing that ever happened to me was during a casual hangout with friends. We decided to have a picnic at the park, and I brought a homemade chili I was really proud of. As we were setting up, a strong gust of wind blew through, and maybe someone’s arm toppled the chili, and it slid off the table and landed in the grass. We all burst into laughter as I tried to salvage it, but it was covered in dirt. Nobody ate the dirt chili lol. Funny things are when I watch funny movies/shows. If something funny happens to me, I laugh it off. If something funny happens to someone, I make sure they’re okay before I laugh. |
| If time and money were not an issue, where would you travel and why? | If time and money were no object, I would travel to Japan. I’ve always been fascinated by Japanese culture, from its rich history and traditional practices to its modern innovations. The blend of ancient temples and cutting-edge technology is truly intriguing. I’m also excited about trying authentic Japanese cuisine, from sushi and ramen to unique regional dishes. Exploring Japan would be an incredible way to immerse myself in a culture that’s both deeply historical and remarkably forward-thinking. Yes, Tokyo is at the top of my list. I'm fascinated by its vibrant blend of modern technology and traditional culture. Tokyo offers an incredible mix of experiences. The city’s energy and variety make it an exciting destination to explore. I'm really excited to try authentic ramen. I’ve heard so much about the incredible variety of ramen styles across Japan. The idea of tasting authentic ramen with perfectly cooked noodles, flavorful broth, and all the traditional toppings sounds like a delicious adventure. Japanese arcades are particularly impressive with their wide range of cutting-edge games and interactive experiences. The sheer variety from classic pinball and retro games to advanced virtual reality setups creates a unique and immersive entertainment environment. I’m really looking forward to trying Mario Kart street racing in Japan. It’s a unique and exhilarating experience where you can drive real go-karts dressed as your favorite characters, zooming through city streets in a way that feels straight out of the game. |
| When and if you ever have children, what would you like to pass on to them? | I would love to pass on qualities such as determination, compassion, and strong communication skills. I think these traits are essential for navigating life and building meaningful relationships. Additionally, I would hope to impart a sense of strength and resilience, along with a strong work ethic. These qualities can help them face challenges with confidence and perseverance, while also fostering empathy and effective interaction with others. To help my children develop traits like determination, compassion, and strong communication skills, I would encourage them to engage in various activities and habits. For determination, I’d promote setting and working towards personal goals, whether in sports, academics, or hobbies, and emphasizing the importance of perseverance. To foster compassion, I’d encourage volunteering or participating in community service, where they can see the impact of their kindness and learn to empathize with others. For developing strong communication skills, I’d promote open family discussions and encourage them to express their thoughts and feelings clearly. I’d also suggest joining clubs or teams that require teamwork and public speaking, helping them practice and refine these skills in diverse settings. Loyalty is an important trait to pass on to children because it fosters trust and strong, supportive relationships. When children understand the value of loyalty, they learn to be reliable and supportive friends and family members. To teach the value of determination, I would encourage my children to set and pursue their own goals, providing support and guidance along the way. I’d emphasize the importance of perseverance by celebrating their efforts and progress, even if they don’t always achieve their goals immediately. For physical strength, I’d involve them in regular physical activities or sports that they enjoy, emphasizing the importance of health and fitness. I’ll play any sport with my kid. Mentally, I’d encourage resilience by helping them face challenges and setbacks, teaching them to approach problems with a positive and solution-oriented mindset. |
