This is my story.

I was born and raised in the beautiful city of San Jose, CA. After high school and a multitude of college rejections, I defaulted to attending community college in the midwest--(Iowa of all places!) while being cross-enrolled at Iowa State University. Those two years in the midwest were the most eye-opening, challenging moments of my life.

My experience can be described as a "fish out of water," struggling to find my place as a minority out-of-state student. Despite these challenges, those years pushed me to overcome my greatest fears of failing, establishing a new community, and asking for help. It pushed me to be resilient, making me the person I am today.

Because of that profound experience, I discovered my passion for traveling, storytelling, design, and human connection. My unique story as a first-generation, low-income minority have taught me to be empathetic and see the glass both full and empty.

Even with these mental and physical challenges, you'll often catch me with a smile on my face. I believe there's always something to be thankful for.