I grew up in Washington Heights, New York, where the streets were more than just a backdrop—they were our playground. My friends and I spent our days running around, playing manhunt, a game that seemed to capture the thrill of youth. The thrill of running through the streets, hiding behind parked cars, dodging between buildings, and laughing until our stomachs hurt became a part of my identity. When we weren’t on the move, we’d hang out on the stoop, talking for hours about anything and everything. It wasn’t just about the games or the conversations; it was the energy of the neighborhood, the way it felt alive. Summers were the best. Our elders would open the fire hydrants, and suddenly the street would turn into a waterpark. We’d laugh, run through the water, and for those moments, nothing else mattered. It was pure joy.
Life in Washington Heights wasn’t always easy, but it was real. The neighborhood was noisy, chaotic even, but there was a sense of unity that came with it. We all looked out for each other, and in that chaos, I found my sense of belonging. Growing up there gave me resilience and grit, along with a sense of humor that helped us all get through the tough times. Sure, we had our struggles, but there was always laughter to balance it out, and that made all the difference. Looking back, Washington Heights shaped me in ways I didn’t fully appreciate at the time. It taught me the importance of community, how to find joy in the small things, and how to keep pushing forward no matter what life throws at you. It wasn’t just about growing up; it was about learning to survive and thrive. Those early experiences grounded me, giving me the strength and perspective I carry with me today.
Life changed quickly during my sophomore year of high school. Some of my siblings started getting involved with gangs, and that was enough for my parents to make a sudden decision—we packed up and moved to Providence, Rhode Island. Halfway through the year, I found myself at Central High School, completely out of my element. It felt like everything I knew had been ripped away, and I was left to navigate this new environment on my own. It wasn’t easy, but it pushed me to grow up fast and figure things out. Looking back, that move was a turning point for me. I learned that no matter how unexpected or challenging life gets, I could adapt and thrive.
In 2013, I joined the United States Army National Guard, and that decision completely changed my life. I started out as a paratrooper, completing 12 jumps before realizing that path just wasn’t for me. In 2017, I made the switch to become a Military Policeman, and honestly, it was the best decision I could’ve made. That shift gave me a real sense of purpose, something I hadn’t quite felt before. It opened doors I never expected and showed me just how much I could grow when I found the right fit. In 2020, we deployed to Afghanistan, helping people safely transition out of the country during such a chaotic time was eye-opening, because of all the terrorism and changes that were happening. It made me realize how much we take for granted in the U.S. and gave me a deeper understanding of service and duty. That deployment wasn’t just a job; It was an experience that I shared with my counterparts that are some of my best friends today.
2021 was a huge year for me, especially on the personal front. After returning from deployment, I knew it was time to take the next big step in my life. I proposed to the love of my life, and it felt like the most natural thing in the world. There was no hesitation or second guessing—it just made sense. We were dating for three years and had known each other for five before that, so by the time I proposed, I was certain he was the one for me. I know it sounds cliché, but when you know, you know 😉. Now, we’re building our life together, and it’s been a journey of growth and love. We share our home with two dogs, Nora and Nelly, they drive us a little crazy at times, but they also bring us so much joy into our lives. This phase of my life feels like a time of constant growth—both personally and in my relationship. Having a partner who supports me in everything I do, who’s there through the ups and downs, makes all the difference. It’s this kind of support that gives me the confidence to keep moving forward, no matter what challenges come my way.
At the same time, my educational journey continues as I pursue a master’s degree in justice studies with a minor in Sociology. College hasn’t always been an easy road for me, but it’s one that feels right. I used to think I wasn’t much of a people person, but through my studies and the connections I’ve made along the way, I’ve realized how much I’ve grown. Sociology has opened my eyes to the reasons behind people’s actions and thoughts, deepening my understanding of the world around me. Every moment, whether it was moving from New York to Providence, transitioning from being a paratrooper to a Military Policeman, or growing with my partner, has shaped me into the person I am today. These moments have presented challenges, but they’ve also given me opportunities to become more empathetic, grounded, and ready for whatever comes next. I’m excited about the future because I know every step is building toward something greater.
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