Growing Up...
I was born in Rota, Spain on February 8, 1987. My father was in the Navy for 20 years, so my family moved around quite a bit. I have lived in Millington, Tennessee, Yokosuka, Japan (about an hour or so from Tokyo), Key West, Florida, Ocoee, Florida (on the outskirts of Orlando), and Birmingham, Alabama. Because IÕve spent the most time in Ocoee, Florida, I consider that to be my home town. I think because of my travels, IÕve come to appreciate and love the culture of distinct peoples. Traveling was also the central factor that led me to minor in both history and Spanish.
Family LIfe...
I have an older Brother and sister, who have blessed me with a whole host of nieces and nephews, and a younger sister, who just started college this year. I also live with my cousin, whoÕs more like my sister because weÕve been living together for almost 10 years, and an uncle, who also started college this year. My family is very close-knit (thereÕs rarely a time when I go home and the house is empty), and I absolutely donÕt know where I would be without them. My mom and dad have always supported me and my endeavors and for that, I am eternally grateful.
Who I Am...
I like to sing, write and dance (although IÕm not all that coordinated). I love to learn new things, and I frequently challenge myself to step outside of my comfort zone and face my fears. To do both of those things, I recently took a West African dance class, which turned out to be one of the best experiences of my college career and ignited my passion for learning about and experiencing African culture (It was also quite a workout). I was also a lead vocalist in a Broadway-style production at my university, which turned out to be a little nerve-racking, being that I have stage fright. However, in the end, I developed more self-confidence as a solo performer. Also, I think one day I might even try acting. I love to laugh (IÕm pretty goofy sometimes), but IÕm also outspoken and honest.
The Law and Me...
So, youÕre probably asking yourself how in the world I ended up pursuing a law degree. The answer is simple. I like making a difference, and the law is one of the most powerful modes of doing that. Not only that, but I think the law is eclectic like me. It is our history. Through individual interpretation and application, it is diversity. And because of these two things, it is change. When all is said and done, the simple fact is that I want to be a part of that change.
One Final Thought...
My motto over the years has become ÒYou never know what you can do until you do it.Ó I've heard from people that I'm "surprising," but in reality, most of the time, I surprise myself. I think weÕre all a lot stronger than we give ourselves credit for. The key to success, I believe, is to dare yourself to take it there.