| What is your most memorable childhood experience? | When I was a little kid, my dad used to take me with him to buy flowers for my mom. He used to tell me that it didn't have to be a special occasion- it was better when you gave flowers "Just because." My mom had beautiful, fresh flowers all the time, and she really enjoyed them. Even though giving flowers was a norm in our household, there was one day that became a tradition for me and my dad: March 8th - the International Women's Day. Every year, my daddy and I would go out and buy large amounts of flowers and give them to women on the street while walking back home. It was empowering and uplifting to see these women light up and smile when we gave them flowers. We would make sure to leave the best few for my mom when we returned. This tradition became so ingrained in my nature that when I grew up and went to high school, my best friend and I continued on the little "tradition." Every year throughout high school, we went out on March 8th, purchased as many flowers as we could hold on to, and gave them away to women on the street. We would always save the best ones to bring home to our mothers. Now, I do my best to teach my son the importance of giving women flowers, especially the women close in our lives, like his grandmothers and mom. I hope he will, one day, also go out of his way on March 8th to spread joy to women. This little story of my childhood portrays the importance my father had in my development and defines who I became because of his positive influence on me. |
| What immediate family member do you closely identify with and why? | I identify with and admire my brother. As a child, I tried to emulate whatever he did or said, like many other younger siblings would. He was a true role model, especially with the large gap in age, and he acted as a parental figure often as I grew older. Instead of teaching me to play guitar, he told me that it would be better for me to teach myself. So, in fact, I did. I now play guitar with musicians across the city. I appreciate that my brother gave me room to grow and encouraged me to find my own way- something I try to encourage with my own son. |
| What character traits do you admire in an individual? | I truly admire those who work hard for what they want and find their own way through life. It requires many characteristics, including patience, determination, ingenuity, as well as other traits that are not maybe as highly respected, such as the ability to seek help and ask for forgiveness. These traits are cross-disciplinary and require a sense of humility and self-awareness. I tend to find these traits more readily admired in the business world, but I also gravitate towards those who can maintain these characteristics in their personal relationships as well. |
| What is the funniest thing ever to happen to you? | The bear on the road. I am an avid runner and like to run trails. One particular morning, I was running at a local park. It is a very picturesque park with a variety of landscapes. There is one place deep in the woods where you run down a very steep hill. I started running down the hill when suddenly, about 100 feet ahead, I saw a big, dark bear! I made a pathetic attempt to stop myself and my momentum almost toppled me over. My heart was racing from the adrenaline rush- I had never seen a wild bear in my life before! After about ten seconds of squinting at the "bear," I realized that it was not moving or making any noises. I looked again and recognized that it wasn't a bear, but merely a big root from the fallen tree. The tree had been cut and removed by a park ranger, but the root was left in the middle of the path and it looked like a bear! I walked down the path, still not believing my eyes, and then passed the root and kept running. It made me laugh at myself for a few miles afterwards. |
| If time and money were not an issue, where would you travel and why? | I have always been fascinated by the amazing historical architecture in Europe. If I were to go back, I would love to see places such as Rome, Venice, and Sicilia. However, I think it would be fun to really expand my horizons and visit places I've never thought of much before, like somewhere in Asia, perhaps Japan. The entirely different culture would be a great experience to immerse myself in. |
| When and if you ever have children, what would you like to pass on to them? | I already have a son, and I am very committed to developing his levels of self-reliance and independence. Five years old, I hope to take that natural developmental stage of "I can do it myself" and allow him to keep applying that in all facets of his life. This way, he also learns what he is capable of and knows how and when to seek help. I also hope to really develop in him a passion for music and dance. As a dancer, performer, and musician, I fully believe that music and movement are uplifting, spiritual, and emotional cultivators throughout life. |
