| What is your most memorable childhood experience? | When I was about 4 years old, my siblings and I were swimming in our backyard. I was floating in a life jacket until I figured out how to unbuckle the strap. Suddenly I was underwater and none of my siblings were paying attention. I remember looking up watching my air bubbles reach the surface when suddenly two hands blocked out the sun and pulled me out. It was my mom, but from that moment on she was my angel. |
| What immediate family member do you closely identify with and why? | I identify most with my younger brother. We’re close to the same age and we’re inseparable. Throughout school and our professional careers, he followed closely in my footsteps and listened to my advice. I look out for him and have someone who I can trust and love. |
| What character traits do you admire in an individual? | I admire self-integrity or keeping your word. I like to plan out my days the night before so that it is productive and achievable. When I say I will go to the gym but end up staying home watching TV, the compromise makes me value my word less. But I notice that when I follow through with my promises to myself, I feel good and confident, such as planning to go to the gym or eat healthy. Having those good days leads to a good life. |
| What is the funniest thing ever to happen to you? | I met a girl online and dated her for a few years. A few months into dating, she was looking through her photos and sent me a picture of me sitting on the Metro. This photo was taken a year before we even met, she thought I was cute and sneaked a picture without my awareness. She forgot about it and only recognized me because I was wearing my favorite striped shirt. Not only was it a funny coincidence, but it also made me realize that we have more impact on strangers than we think. |
| If time and money were not an issue, where would you travel and why? | I would live in NYC but leave before it makes me too hard. I would live in LA but leave before it makes me too soft. I would surf as much as possible but first learn to surf. Then I would settle in a town and try to build a community. |
| When and if you ever have children, what would you like to pass on to them? | I want them to have confidence and kindness. I want them to know that they were put on this world for a reason, and even though it may seem impossible, they can make a difference. I will give them all of my love and support. |
