| What is your most memorable childhood experience? | Well, my childhood was filled with great moments but the one that stands out to me the most was going fishing with my father. I learned so many things from him that day, like how to tie a knot, how to fish, and how to skip rocks. I remember that at the end of the day we had caught only three fish. I was a little bummed because I had told my mom and sister that I would come back with lots of fish for us all to eat. To cheer me up, my dad stopped at a store and bought a bunch of fish. We told my sister and mom that we had caught them all. It was the best memory of my life. |
| What immediate family member do you closely identify with and why? | This would definitely be my father. We both love to make people laugh and feel good. He is probably the most kindhearted and loving man I have ever met. And I have always strived to be just like him. A lot of the small stuff I do resembles him as well; like acting like a big kid, the way I move, and my smile. |
| What character traits do you admire in an individual? | I admire very focused individuals. Growing up in sports, I have met a few people with this quality. I admire them very much because when they want something, nothing will get in their way of achieving that goal. I also admire patience. Most people these days are not patient at all. When you come across a person who is patient it's like a breath of fresh air. It's eye-opening to realize that not everything has to be rushed. All great things take time and are worth waiting for. |
| What is the funniest thing ever to happen to you? | One of the funniest memories I have took place in a very big truck stop where my sister, my father and I were resting from a long day on the road. After taking showers we decided to eat at the in-store restaurant. The restaurant was completely full except for one little booth at the very back. After finishing a huge meal I decided to grab a donut. My father and sister both wanted to leave and go to sleep. So, not wanting to waste the donut, I shoved it all in my mouth, thus triggering my gag reflex. I threw-up into both of my hands, cradling it like it was a gift. I didn't know what to do. So, freaking out, I ran through the entire restaurant carrying the mess while my father and sister pretended not to know who I was. |
| If time and money were not an issue, where would you travel and why? | I would love to go to Spain. It's really rich with culture and its architecture is amazing. I would also like to go to know where my roots come from. |
| When and if you ever have children, what would you like to pass on to them? | My life has not been easy, to say the least. But learning from both of my parents I have become a strong individual. I would like to teach my children how to be strong, and to understand that bad things are going to happen to them and myself, but we can't stop those things from happening. So, when they do, they should not let it get to them and not lose their faith of the good in the world. Also, not to stress because, whether you stress or don't, things will still go wrong. That way they can save themselves from a lot of headaches and gray hairs. And also to keep the kid in them alive, to have fun and enjoy life. Most people as they grow up become serious, cold and not very playful. Life is way too short to act that way. My father taught me a few simple rules that I will pass on to my children: Laugh and make others laugh. Find the humor and good in everything. And if there's a slip and slide at any point in your life, whether you're 2 or 80, you'd better be the first ones on it. |
