First-gen, Latina, liberal baddie, and unapologetically myself. Blunt, giggly, and just trying to figure it all out one day at a time.

My parents left Peru before I was even born and packed up their whole lives so I could have a shot at something better. I didn't always fully appreciate that growing up, but I do now and it means everything. Being first-gen is hard to explain unless you've lived it. You're figuring out who YOU are while also trying to make your family proud. I'm still doing that, by the way.

I grew up in Northern Virginia and from the time I was little I knew I wanted to work with animals. It never felt like a dream I had to chase, it just felt like mine. I studied animal science, spent time working in the field, and eventually found my passion in animal behavior, specifically the dogs and cats everyone else gave up on. That path led me to pursue a master's in animal behavior and I was so ready for what was coming next.

Then life hit. Hard.