| What is your most memorable childhood experience? | My most memorable childhood experience is when I found a praying mantis in my garden when I was about four. I remember being so fascinated by the movement of the insect and its eyes that I held it on a stick for a while before I let it go into the garden. It was the first time I was really interested in biology and how such an interesting creature evolved. |
| What immediate family member do you closely identify with and why? | I identify most with my maternal grandmother, who taught me tolerance, humor and diligence. She taught me how to handle any situation with grace and poise. We have shared many great memories together. |
| What character traits do you admire in an individual? | I most admire determination, ingenuity and intelligence. I believe a person who can laugh at their mistakes and keep the past in perspective is also admirable. |
| What is the funniest thing ever to happen to you? | I was working on a recent presidential campaign as a driver for press and staff in a motorcade. I parked at the place of the next interview of the candidate and waited. It was taking forever, so I decided to take a nap. When I woke up there was nobody in the parking lot. I had been stranded by the rest of the motorcade. My cell phone battery was dead and I had no map, so I had to drive my enormous van and try to find my way back to the airport. I eventually did, and after a lot of stress I was able to look back on it all and laugh. |
| If time and money were not an issue, where would you travel and why? | I would go to Santorini because it is undeniably beautiful, the people are friendly and the food is great. The Greek islands have great sailing, and everything is cheap, especially right now. |
| When and if you ever have children, what would you like to pass on to them? | I would like to pass on my sense of determination and my humor, as well as my desire to always do better in all situations. |
