What is your background?: I was born in Guatemala and adopted and brought to the United States when I was seven months old. I have lived in Peoria, Ill., Orlando, Fla., the Florida Keys, Nashville, Tenn., and just moved to Iowa. I have one older brother and two cute, amazing dogs. My parents are from Iowa. I went to a few different high schools but graduated from Metamora High School in Illinois.
What brought you to Kirkwood and why?: I chose to come to Kirkwood for two reasons. Reason 1: The class sizes, I like having that personal connection to your classmates but also the easy access because of the smaller size to talk with your professors. Reason 2: The campus has so much going on a and really gives you a. good community feel and there are so many things to do and ways to get involved.
What is your program of study and what interests you about it?: I am getting my associates of applied sciences with the goal to get. My bachelor’s at a SEC school (preferably UT Austin) in Biology. Then I want to go to grad school to get my doctorate in Physical Therapy. Ever since tearing my MCL in the Air Force I have been interested in helping people and found a love for learning about the human body and how we can help people overcome obstacles.
Are you involved in anything else on campus? If so, what and why?: I have been a Peer Orientation Leader and Student Ambassador this summer here at Kirkwood. It has been an amazing experience and I love getting to meet new people and help assist in any way I can.
Are you involved in anything off of campus?: I volunteer at my church doing youth ministry, as well as I am part of a young adults group called The Collective. I like to serve in the community and play a lot of pickleball.
What do you do for fun?: I enjoy swimming I used to swim year-round from the age of 9, I like going on hikes, going to Chicago to see friends, travel a lot back to Nashville. When I am home, I hang with friends and play with my dog Pepper. I am a big sneaker collector, and I am always down to play sand volleyball or ultimate frisbee.
Where do you see yourself in five years?: In five years, I would love to see myself in grad school preferably at the University of Texas Austin (Hook ‘em Horns) or graduating moving back to Nashville Brentwood Area and starting a family.