# data[].attributes.body
I grew up in a Catholic home from the time I was born. I went through all of the sacraments as a baby until my teenage years. This picture signifies my faith.

# data[].attributes.body
This is an important influence because it was the first institution I was introduced to outside of my family. This influence gave me a sense of morals as a young child, and followed me until adult hood. This also influenced who I would later choose as my partner. Even after walking away briefly as a teenager and young adult I found myself entering back into the church with open arms. I still attend the same church I was baptized in to this day, and now take my partner with me. This is a photo of my first communion. I am located on the far left on the second row.

# data[].attributes.body
My parent's divorced from each other when I was four years old. From what I can remember as a young child it was not too messy of a divorce, and did not affect me greatly as a child. Now as an adult my parents are great friends, and supporters. This is a photo of my father, me, and my mother.

# data[].attributes.body
This is an important influence because it was the first major event of my young life. It allowed me to seek out support from others later in life who have been in the same situations. It also allowed me to see how important it is to work on a marriage consistently, and how important it is to be honest with your children which is something that I will carry with me throughout my future marriage.

# data[].attributes.body
The most stable part of my life growing up was living in my childhood home until moving out in 2017 when I bought my own house with my partner at the age of 22. This allowed me to go to the same school from kinder until senior year of high school. This is a photo of the house I grew up in.

# data[].attributes.body
This is an important influence because it allowed me stability throughout my whole childhood. Unlike many of my peers who had to move around I was able to call one house my home, and stay in the same school district. Growing up in a small suburb my whole life gave me an idea of what kind of environment I would like to surround my future children with.

# data[].attributes.body
I have a small family, and growing up we were not very close. I am the youngest of my brother and sister by 13 and 15 years. Though, we have all recently become a very close family. This photo is me, my sister, my brother, and my mother.

# data[].attributes.body
Family is the first institution you are introduced to from the day you are born. They are the most influential people in your life. This is an important influence, because they are who will surround you for the rest of your life. The traditions will be carried and passed down to later generations as we all age. Coming from a small family can influenced the greater bonds we are able to share. This is a photo of my whole family on my graduation day.

# data[].attributes.body
Both of my parents graduated with their associates as well as both of my grandparents except for my father's mother. From a young age getting a college education was always in my future. I am the first to get my bachelors, and work towards my masters within my close family. This is a photo of my graduation cap.

# data[].attributes.body
This is an important influence because it allowed me to continue my education, and allowed me to better myself. I didn't need to be pushed to attend college. From a young age and watching my mother be able to support herself and I  with her education encouraged me enough. I included this photo because this is where I graduated from.

# data[].attributes.body
My father is a very open to learning about different cultures and their way of life. From a young age he took me to museums, and different cultural festivals to make sure I understood and accepted those around me. He always made sure to surround me with people from all walks of life, and encouraged me to explore my heritage. This is a photo of my father and I on my graduation day.

# data[].attributes.body
My father helped me expand my understanding of those around me, and to understand the importance of my family's history. The influence my father had on my life is important because he made sure I was well educated on the idea of diversity and acceptance of those who are different around me.

# data[].attributes.body
All of my immediate family lives in the same city, and even some living right next to each other. My partner and I are in the transition of moving to a new city, and some of my immediate family are choosing to also go with us.

# data[].attributes.body
Having family so close to one another allows us to get together more often. This is common amongst some hispanics to live near each other. The idea of being there for your family can influence how close you choose to be to them. This influences how close I would want to be to my family later in life when we are all settled down.

# data[].attributes.body
For a long time it was just my mother and I living together, and she worked a lot of hours in order to be able to provide for us. She hired a nanny from El Salvador who took care of me for many years until my junior year of high school. I spent very little time with my mother growing up, and depended on my father and nanny for many things. This is a photo of my mother and my nanny Flor.

# data[].attributes.body
Having the influence of Salvadorian culture in my life for so many years helped me appreciate a new culture. Also not having my mother around a lot as a child due to her working made me realize how important it is to spend time with your children when you can. Another cultural influence having a nanny had on me is exploring my native language even more than before so there was no language barrier.

# data[].attributes.body
Growing up in a hispanic culture your grandparents play a vital role in the family. I was fortunate enough to spend time with all of my grandparents growing up. Now, I have one grandma living and my great grandma recently passed away in November 2019 at 104 years old. Growing up my grandparents played a vital role in taking care of me, and now that I am older you find yourself switching roles and I try and help my grandma the best I can. This is a photo of my family with my great grandma Marron (104) and grandma Mary.

# data[].attributes.body
Grandparents are such an important influence because they are who show you where you come from. I was always encouraged to talk to my grandparents and ask any questions I may have about our family. It is the stories from them that I will pass down to my future children and so on.

# data[].attributes.body
Growing up I saw men who provided for my female family members. Whether it was my grandma's, sister, or mother. All of the men were wonderful providers, and worked hard.

# data[].attributes.body
This influenced me by giving me basic qualities to look for in a partner. Someone who is a hard worker, educated, and respectful were the three important qualities I saw growing up as a child that influenced who I looked for as a partner as an adult. This is a picture of me and my boyfriend, the perfect example of a hardworking, educated, respectful man.