A journey through my life story...

Arepas, football, fruits, flowers, and an abundance of love were the vibrant threads that wove the fabric of my upbringing. Bogota, Colombia, my birthplace, bears the weight of a tumultuous history, yet it gifted me with an extraordinary childhood brimming with joy. Amidst it all, theater took center stage, igniting my passion like nothing else. In those moments, I believed my destiny lay in film or acting. However, life had different plans, and it led me on an unexpected path. Nonetheless, the invaluable friendships and personal growth bestowed upon me by the world of acting and theater are beyond measure! Though I've journeyed far from home at a tender age, my roots remain etched in my heart, and the unwavering love of my family and friends serves as a monumental pillar, shaping who I am today.

Hong Kong

At the young age of 16, I experienced the most monumental leap of my life—a scholarship that whisked me away to one of the esteemed United World Schools. Hong Kong, a land of intrigue, became my new home. Waves of confusion, excitement, and curiosity surged within me, forever altering the course of my existence. For two remarkable years, I immersed myself in a vibrant tapestry of global experiences at Li Po Chun United World College of Hong Kong. In this kaleidoscope of diverse minds, and  my own youthful perspectives expanded beyond measure. No longer confined to my homeland's borders, I felt intimately connected to the struggles and triumphs of my classmates, teachers, and roommates from every corner of the globe. The intensity of those two years knew no bounds—I traveled, embraced newfound independence, pursued excellence in the International Baccalaureate, and navigated the complexities of a beautifully diverse world far, far away from home. Each day unraveled an abundance of life lessons, nurturing friendships that felt like the distilled essence of a decade's worth of wisdom, compressed into a mere two years.

India

Ah, the perplexing post-high school predicament! May 2019 marked the bittersweet conclusion of my incredible Hong Kong experience . I stood at the crossroads, scratching my head like any self-respecting teenager, pondering the age-old question: What on Earth do I do now? College? Nah, too soon to dive into the stage of life that dictates an eternal career decisions. I craved more worldly adventures, yearning to burst out of that cozy UWC dream bubble.

And then, I stumbled upon Global Citizen Year, the real-life superhero of NGOs. With their sustainable volunteer programs for fresh-faced high school graduates, they aimed to mold us into real leaders, ready to tackle global issues head-on. Lucky me, I bagged a full scholarship for the program.

​

After a week of intensive training in sunny California (cue the montage of motivational speeches and obstacle courses), I found myself whisked away to Pune, India. A whole year with a host family, determined to learn Hindi and armed with a mission to assist as an English teaching assistant through the AMAZING  Teach For India. Let me tell you, India became the backdrop for one of the most eye-opening, heartwarming (and yes, cliché alert) soul-stirring chapters of my existence. Working with those incredible kids infused me with an unstoppable hope, an energy to reshape our world into a place where race, religion, sex, or nationality  don't matter. 

​

Now, let's not kid ourselves—it wasn't all rainbows and unicorns! Living with a host family was a rollercoaster ride of beautiful chaos and eye-opening challenges. But hey, that's precisely the spice you need to truly immerse yourself in a culture and become part of a country. Oh, and did I mention the pandemic rudely interrupted my grand finale? Talk about timing! I was shipped back home faster than you can say "goodbye, kids, friends, and colleagues." Sigh.

​

USA

My life journey in college embarked during the midst of a pandemic, a time that countless students across the globe also found themselves facing. Lake Forest College welcomed me into its community, but my initial semester unfolded remotely, leaving me yearning for a taste of the traditional college experience. Finally, in the second semester, I stepped into a hybrid environment that felt like something out of a dystopian movie – a surreal yet exhilarating chapter.

Despite the challenges and uncertainties, I embraced this period with enthusiasm, for it offered an adventure like no other. Imagine, in the midst of it all, I found myself in a new country, surrounded by new friends, and embracing an entirely fresh lifestyle to explore. The world became my playground, and every day brought the excitement of uncharted territories.

As I now approach the culmination of my college journey, my heart brims with gratitude towards the countless individuals who equipped and supported me to reach this point. Their guidance and encouragement have been invaluable, shaping me into who I am today.

While the horizon of my future may currently appear hazy and uncertain, it is precisely this ambiguity that ignites the fire within me. The allure of the unknown has propelled me to this very moment, and I stand ready to embrace the next chapter of my life with open arms and an adventurous spirit. The thrill of what lies ahead is unmatched, and I cannot wait to immerse myself in the unfolding narrative of my life.

​

​