As a child, I found joy in the simplest things. Sitting in the backyard with a pencil, some colors, and scraps of paper, I used to sketch my surroundings, breathing life into all the infantile ideas locked in my imagination—ideas that sometimes felt just out of my reach. I grew up in Cuba, a place where the warmth of a lovely family sheltered me, but also where I faced barriers such as limited access to resources and opportunities, which profoundly shaped my early life. Art became my refuge, providing an escape from the constraints of my reality. Even when resources were scarce, my imagination never was. Those modest beginnings taught me to be resourceful, set high goals despite my circumstances and difficulties, and embrace creativity to navigate life’s challenges. When I moved to the United States, I found myself in a world almost identical to the one I once dreamed of; yet this path would bring a new set of obstacles.  Adapting to a different culture, language, and educational system felt like entering an unknown world. As someone who is introverted, leaving the comfort of home and confronting the unfamiliarity of this new setting was daunting. I often felt caught between two worlds: the one I had left behind and the one I was trying to understand. However, it was through this challenge that I discovered my inner strength. Learning English became a vital goal—a process that was far from easy but taught me the resilience and perseverance necessary to face the future adversities that arise in my life. These rich but arduous experiences have influenced the way I view education and its transformative power. I realized that it is not merely a method of learning; it serves as a gateway to opportunities and growth I had once only imagined. They have also inspired my passion for architecture, a discipline that brings together creativity, logic, and purpose to solve practical problems and complications. I see it as a way to give shape to hope, to design spaces that speak to the soul as much as they serve the body. My dream is to design spaces that are not just sustainable and efficient but also vibrant and relevant. I aim to explore how architecture can serve as a powerful force for good, particularly for underrepresenting communities, by incorporating innovative technology and sustainable practices. Architecture possesses a profound ability to shape not just the physical environment but also the emotional and social dynamics of those who inhabit it. I am committed to contributing to a future where my designs empower people to build lives filled with possibility. Above all, I desire the spaces I create to enable people to connect with something greater than themselves, whether that is a sense of purpose, community, or wonder. Every challenge I have faced has shaped me into the person I am today, prepared to transform resilience into decisive action and dreams into reality

I grew up in Cuba, which brought its challenges, such as access to resources and opportunities. Most important of all, they had no access to modern educational equipment and creative methods. I remember, as a child, being interested in art and science, and drawing my world with pencil and paper because there were no other materials around. But I was able to find ways to live and get by with the very little that I had, to come up with some ideas and push myself hard to keep my dreams going. Moving to the United States was another difficulty: a new culture, language, and education. It was terrifying for me as an introvert to have to step into this new world, but it also taught me strength and what it means to venture outside my comfort zone. Learning English was one of those goals, and it was not that simple, but I learned to persevere and learn how education can unlock doors to opportunities I would never have jumped on before. All these have made an impact on how I see education as empowerment and change. They have made me want to study architecture, where design meets functionality to solve real-world problems. I think architecture can be good for the world by designing spaces that are not only efficient but inclusive, sustainable, and beautiful. I would love to create places that build relationships, and creative space and bring people together, particularly in marginalized places where design can have the most impact.  For me, that means creating new ways to live and apply technology to solve problems in under-represented communities across the globe. I want to create spaces that are resilient, adaptable to a wide variety of needs, and support their occupants not just today, but into the future as well. It has the unique power to shape not just the physical but also the emotional and social conditions of life. Gaining perspective, building community, and taking action in their respective environments is my ultimate goal. I regard my education as a first step towards impact in the community and the world over. So, in my new home, I would like to play my part in building durable, localized spaces for improved life. My passion is to design a world where art, science, and purpose unite to create a world in which places enable humans to evolve, thrive, and realize their potential.