Personal Story

---

I was born and raised in Miami, a city that moves fast but still makes space for the simple joys of life—something I’ve always gravitated toward. Before I could even speak English, I was speaking Spanish, a nod to my father’s family heritage. Growing up, I was the kid who could never sit still indoors. If I was fussy, my parents knew the solution: take me outside. The ocean, the park, even a quiet backyard—nature has always felt like home. My mom likes to say that “nature loves me” because somehow, creatures always seem to find their way to me. I once had a butterfly land perfectly on my nose, which, if nothing else, makes for a good story.

Beyond my love for the outdoors, I’ve always been drawn to anything creative. As a kid, I was constantly crafting or building—whether it was an elaborate fort with my brother and sister or an airplane made entirely out of glued-together chopsticks (yes, I went through a serious amount of takeout reserves). I also love movement—skating through the Grove, playing sports with my brother, or just exploring the world on wheels. I think that’s why I’ve always been interested in marketing and entrepreneurship. Both of my parents built their own businesses, and I’ve grown up fascinated by the way creative ideas can turn into something real and lasting.

As I look toward college, I’m most excited about expanding my world. I grew up in a tight-knit school, and while that gave me an amazing foundation, I’m eager to meet people from different places, hear new perspectives, and challenge myself in ways I haven’t before. I know that this next step in life will give me that opportunity—not just in the classroom but in the energy of the campus, the city, and the people who come together there. I can already picture myself thriving in that environment, making connections, and finding my own path (hopefully with some studying abroad in Spain along the way).

At the end of the day, I’m someone who is curious—about people, places, and the stories that make us who we are. Whether through music, business, or a conversation with a stranger, I love finding ways to connect.