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What makes me who I am
What drives my soul to learn
What sparks my passions
What makes my heart yearn

What do I teach my child
What do I seek to find
What are my values
What shapes my way of life

What speaks to me with music
What do I see through art
What stirs me to listen
What captivates my heart

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My culture includes art. Music, dance, and visual art are all essential to who I am. I’ve always been a creative soul, drawn to music, dance, writing, and making art to express myself. It's a way for me to connect and share my stories, thoughts, and feelings.

Loving the arts is about honoring my traditions, seeing others, using creativity to evoke emotions, and bringing people together.

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Holiday traditions are an important part of my social culture. I celebrate them secularly, focusing on spending quality time with loved ones. Christmas is my favorite holiday. There's something about the decorations, fun activities, and the cozy atmosphere I create with my family that I really enjoy. I could easily spend the day watching the snow fall, wrapped in a warm blanket, sipping hot cocoa, and reading a good book.

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Feminine, strong, vulnerable, resilient, emotional, smart, loving, mother, daughter, human, wife, independent

Being a woman can look different in every culture, depending on the roles and responsibilities that are valued. I was raised to believe that a woman’s purpose was simply to create life and be a caretaker. I know I am so much more than that; women are so much more than that. I’m teaching myself and my daughter that we can be whoever we want to be, that nothing is impossible, and that we should never let anything stand in the way of our happiness.

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I’ve always had a deep love for animals. I love visiting the zoo but especially enjoy seeing animals in the wild. This summer, I got to see blue whales in San Diego; a bucket list moment that was truly amazing. My favorite animals are tigers and dogs. Growing up, I had cats and later dogs. I recently lost my two dogs who had been with me for 14 years. It was one of the hardest experiences. The companionship of those animals has been one of the greatest blessings in my life, and I miss them every day. I am sure I will get another dog one day, but I am not ready yet.

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I’ve recently discovered how much I enjoy working with children while being a paraprofessional in a special education classroom. I decided to pursue a career as an occupational therapy assistant, and at 36 years old, I’ve learned it’s never too late to pursue your passions. I am a student again after being out of formal education for nearly two decades! Balancing work, parenting, being a wife, and school has been challenging, but I wouldn’t change a thing. I’m learning a lot in my courses and about what I am truly capable of. I am excited about what my future holds.