The first time I moved out of the USA was at the age of 14. Adapting to a whole new culture and language in Panama over several years came with a lot of confusion as I was developing my sense of self, but with it also came a sense of gratitude I hadn’t experienced in my life before. Being able to spend time with my abuelos in the village that my mom grew up in was a humbling experience and exposed me to the Panamanian lifestyle. Everywhere I went, I observed how hard everyone around me worked, but it didn’t seem like the rat race we see here in the US. I saw the true warmth and affection shared between friends and family, which undoubtedly took priority over anything else. I learned that no matter how difficult life’s obstacles can be, it’s necessary to make time to enjoy oneself and nurture the relationships that matter most.

The time I spent in Panama gave me a totally new outlook on life. I became hellbent on seeing the rest of the world and learning more from people that were unfamiliar to me. It’s impossible to put into words how significant of an impact living in a different country had on me, so let’s just say the experience shaped me into the person I am now – a worldly, curious lady with the insatiable desire to see the world. Since then, I’ve lived in 3 other countries and have visited 16 countries and counting.