MY LIFE EXPERIENCES
PHILANTHROPY
La Montana Costa Rica
I had the privilege of traveling with a team to Costa Rica, to serve low-income high school students. My team and I aided in launching a 1-week summer camp for more than 200 students. During that time, we assisted in food prep, cleaning, building, painting, and most importantly, loving students at the camp. It was an experience I will never forget.
Union Rescue Mission
During my time at Pepperdine University, I was the service intern. My responsibility was to create opportunities in which the student body could participate in serving others. The Union Rescue Mission is a homeless shelter located in Los Angeles, CA. I, along with a colleague, lead a team of students to serve the homeless. We participated in cleaning facilities, cooking and serving food. It was a humbling experience for everyone involved.
Boys and Girls Club, LA
I, along with a colleague, lead several service initiatives at Boys and Girls Club, LA. We visited multiple times during our busy schedules as students. Here we were able to establish relationships with the kids through playing, coloring or talking about their day. I find it ironic that those who volunteer their time to help others are usually the ones who feel most rewarded by the experience. In this instance, working with the kids gave me a new sense of fulfillment.
Adulam Orphanage
While studying abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina, between travels and classes, I made time to visit Adulam Orphanage. During my time at Adulam, I, along with some of my peers, had the privilege of serving the children residing at the orphanage. Pictured is a boy named Dylan with whom I immediately bonded through a shared love of soccer. It was an amazing experience, one in which I gained a new friend and a newfound respect for the hardships some children have to endure.
INTERESTS
Abraham Lincoln once said, "Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe." Many of us have interests or hobbies that allow us to "sharpen" the axe in order to be more effective in everyday life. I find that my interests and activities I enjoy doing, as well as the people I love spending time with, provide me with much-needed sharpening to tackle the day ahead.
(No particular order; Hover over an interest to find out more about it)
I like to read because I love to learn. The best way to stay up-to-date and ahead of the curve is to read. I particularly enjoy news articles that range anywhere from business to cooking. I also enjoy diving into a good book. I am currently reading Lean Startup by Eric Ries.
Favorite Book: Band of Brothers by Stephen E. Ambrose
READING
More often than not, video games get a bad rap, but they are truly something I enjoy doing since a young age, having grown up playing with my brothers and friends. Video games are my way to decompress from the hectic thing we call life. It allows me to pause, recharge and ultimately be more effective at my daily job duties.
Favorite Video Game: Twisted Metal 2
VIDEO GAMES
When the timing is right and the wallet is full enough, I enjoy traveling more than anything. I have traveled all over South and Central America. There is nothing like experiencing an entirely different culture or seeing the most beautiful sites this planet has to offer. I do my best to travel internationally at least once a year.
Favorite Place to Travel: Singapore
TRAVEL
Can family and friends be an interest? Well, they're one of mine. I love spending time with the people that motivate, support and love me the most. I hold them close and do my best to cultivate the relationships I have with both family and friends.
Favorite Family Member: You know that'd be wrong