What is your most memorable childhood experience? | I grew up in Central America. In fifth grade, our school took a field trip to see some of the remains and ruins of Mayan civilization. The plane ride was on a small, private plane also carrying produce; some of the passengers were chickens. The flight was nerve-wracking and thrilling all at once. When we landed, we took a bus through the jungle to make it to the Mayan temples. The trip to the temples was an adventure in itself, but the next eight hours after we arrived were some I will never forget; being able to tour what was once a Mayan city, and even walk up and down some of the temple steps. To stand high above the jungle tree line, standing on the temple’s highest point and to see a quetzal bird fly past me. It was a magical and otherworldly moment, and a day I will never forget. |
What immediate family member do you closely identify with and why? | I have three sisters. I most identify with the one closest to my age, even though she is still several years my senior. She has three amazing young boys and would do anything for them. I hope to be, one day, the type of parent she is now. |
What character traits do you admire in an individual? | I have a short phrase when I sign off on my letters that I write to my friends and family: “Love and Light.” I think the characteristics I admire in individuals stem back to these two words. I think to Love (rather than to love) you need humility, a servant’s heart, honesty, vulnerability, communication, thoughtfulness and passion. I think to be “Light” you need purpose, diligence, discipline, discernment, joy, kindness, patience and inspiration. |
What is the funniest thing ever to happen to you? | It’s difficult to pinpoint one specific moment, as I’ve tried to live every day with the mindset that it is an adventure and an opportunity to love and laugh. |
If time and money were not an issue, where would you travel and why? | If money and time were no issue, I truly would take a year or two and travel the world with the love of my life. There is no adventure I wouldn’t want to experience. From traveling back to Central America and down through all the beautiful countries in South America, to the expansive, diverse and enchanting continent of Africa. Iceland and the Scandinavian countries would be fascinating; and also exploring the deep cultures of Japan and India. Then returning to visit my friends in New Zealand and finally stopping by Australia. ALL of Europe! I have wanderlust and if money and time were no issue, I would see the world with the love of my life. |
When and if you ever have children, what would you like to pass on to them? | I think of and pray for my future children daily. In a general sense, I would just like my children to be wiser, more emotionally intelligent, more successful in their financial and personal lives and free of any sort of oppression that weighs people down. Specifically, I would love for them to know that Love is always the answer and it is best to listen and try to understand in ANY situation. |