| What is your most memorable childhood experience? | My most memorable childhood experience was probably Christmas morning after my little brother was born. That morning, my grandparents visited us, along with my aunt, uncle, and cousins. It stands out in my memory because our home was filled with so many smiling faces. |
| What immediate family member do you closely identify with and why? | I identify most with my younger brother. He and I spent much of our childhood together after our older siblings went to college. We later chose very similar career paths, so our shared experiences have continued into adulthood as well. |
| What character traits do you admire in an individual? | The traits I admire in an individual are a strong work ethic, discipline, and compassion. Life is filled with challenges and setbacks, so hard work and discipline help us get through tough times. Compassion shows that a person isn't simply living in a box. |
| What is the funniest thing ever to happen to you? | The funniest thing that ever happened to me was when I lost my shoe on a train. I was traveling through Holland, and the train door shut on my leg. I managed to get fully inside, but my shoe was lost. I spent a colorful afternoon in Amsterdam walking around with only one shoe. |
| If time and money were not an issue, where would you travel and why? | If time and money were not an issue, I would like to travel through the Amazon Basin. The biodiversity there is among the greatest on Earth. It would also be nice to see it before it is cut down. |
| When and if you ever have children, what would you like to pass on to them? | When and if I have children, I hope to pass on curiosity, strength, and hope. I want my children to be interested in the people and places around them, and I hope they will be able to cope with change and challenges just as I have seen my parents persevere. |
