I was born in Cali, Colombia and “raised” in neighboring Yumbo. I place raised in quotations because at the age of six, I moved to Elizabeth, NJ and have been living here since. However, I travel back home at least once a year.
I went to a boarding school in Alexandria, VA called Episcopal High School thanks to NJSEEDS, a tuition-free program designed to prepare low-income 8th graders for placement at academically rigorous private schools throughout the country. At Episcopal, I participated in dance, orchestra, and was part of several clubs all intending to create equality on campus. Through these extracurriculars, as well as my classes, I engaged in discussions with my peers on important topics such as gender, equality, racism, and politics. These conversations often highlighted the tensions on campus from students with different perspectives. It was not easy being at a PWI as a person of color. I often felt like an outsider, however, this feeling of being on the outside continues to influence my work today to challenge the systems that uphold these issues. Episcopal provided me with the opportunity to travel abroad to Spain and from this trip, my love for Arab culture was born. That trip led me to focus my undergraduate studies on the Andalusian history of Spain.
Episcopal not only gave me incredible academic opportunities but also a group of lifelong friends that I see either monthly in NYC, or have to travel across the country to the West Coast or England for. Going to boarding school was a unique experience but it prepared me well for my time at Haverford both socially as well as academically. I am grateful to still be in touch with my college friends, who also make me travel to them quite often.
I currently live in New Jersey and quite enjoy it! It’s not as bad as New Yorkers make it seem. When not at home, commuting in/out of the city to see friends, I can be found working at Starbucks. During my, very rare, free time I’m either reading, gaming, crocheting, watching One Piece or Criminal Minds for the 20th time or spending time with family and friends including my family dog, Fairfax, found below!
