Biography

Contrary to popular belief, I was not born in the states. I was actually born in Moca, Dominican Republic on October 1, 1988 during the era of then-President Dr. Joaquin Balaguer. Though some considered it to be manifestly oppressive, the era became synonymous with a sense of security and trust within the community– to the point where people would sleep with their doors unlocked and open at night to allow for air to enter their premises (since there was a scarcity of energy during this period, thus no power for a fan or air conditioner). It was not until my father’s passing on (consequence of an automobile incident on his way to the office) that my mother and I relocated to New Jersey, leaving our comfort zone and the equivalent of a modern day white collar lifestyle (in Dominican terms) to start fresh in the Edgewater, New Jersey, due to the lack of opportunities available in the Dominican Republic.

My first English word was “what”—for some odd reason, this was the only word that stuck with me in those years up until 2^nd grade watching English movies on TV in the Dominican Republic. From 3^rd grade up until 6^th I attended Eleanor Van Gelder Elementary School, followed by Leonia’s Middle School then Leonia High School. It was not until High School that I truly embraced the value of learning, enjoying the advanced economics and English classes mostly. I also understood the significance of volunteering, as I did for several months during my last year in High School at Palisades Medical Center. Currently I am a fifth year senior majoring in Journalism, with minors in Communication Studies and Philosophy. Summer of my Junior year I was selected for Seton Hall Law’s Pre-Legal program, a five week intense program simulating the first year of law school where I immersed myself in Torts, Contracts, Appellate Advocacy and first year legal writing.

Summer of my freshman year I was fortunate enough to work in the Dominican Republic for an outsourced sales entity pushing pharmaceutical commodities to foreign markets. After realizing my potential the first two weeks, I was promoted to Supervisor and was responsible for ensuring quality in pitch as well as delivery of the other employees who were hindered due to their native accents. Summer of my sophomore year I worked for a real estate firm, Manhattan Apartments, in the Leasing Division under a Senior Agent helping show property, engage leads and respond to inquiries. The fall of my senior year I interned with a political consulting firm in upper Manhattan, leading to a job that following summer doing policy analysis, research and writing for a political candidate in the NYS 31^st Senatorial District. During that same summer I was offered an opportunity with a communications firm, Zein Communications as an account executive and creative content writer. Though it was tough balancing both responsibilities, the experience was rewarding. Today I still serve as a content writer for Zein. Thanks to my policy work I was also recommended by a co-worker from the campaign for the position that I currently hold as a Junior Grants Writer & Research Assistant for ALMS Healthcare Management, Inc. The work is intense due to intense deadlines and a great deal of pressure, but it is very rewarding to know you are helping entities such as clinics in New Orleans obtain much needed funds.

My goal is to obtain a graduate degree to cultivate my analytical and writing skills in preparation for a law degree. I aspire to become a transactional attorney while doing pro-bono immigration work and ultimately run for a political office.