Born and raised in Elmhurst, Queens, I’ve always been surrounded by diversity. On the way to my elementary school in Jackson Heights, I passed by Indian restaurants, Colombian stores, Italian delis, and Chinese bakeries — a mix similar to the friends I made. As a result, I’ve learned to appreciate all kinds of cultures and view myself as part of the melting pot that is New York City.

Since my parents were the first of their families to immigrate from the Philippines, Filipino culture is an important aspect of who I am. It is in the food I eat and the people I love. However, it is only one out of many aspects of myself and I consider myself American first.

Taken at the parade this past Halloween (I’m shorter in person)