Description
"Born in Lima, Peru, raised in South Florida, my culture influenced a lot of who I am today. Moving to the states at a young age, I didn’t learn English until I was in kindergarten. I grew up looking very different from my peers. I used to be picked on for my very noticeable features, and for the longest time, I wanted to surgically change them. We used to visit my family in Lima almost every year. I looked forward to navigating the city streets and transportation system, eating the best meals prepared by my grandmother, listen to all my grandfathers stories in his native language, and witness for myself what it would be like to live in a developing country. These roots formulated the individual I am today. I fully embrace my culture now, with permanent ink that displays the geoglyphs of Nazca, feeling confident in my dark skin and loving the distinction of my nose. I have been privileges to live in America, and I will never forget who I am or where I come from when I see my reflection."