Since my early childhood I had dreams about becoming a scientist. I confess that one of the most impacting moments in my life was when I first saw the movie Jurassic Park. Apart from the science fiction and entertainment component, the movie helped me develop a notion of all the things that could be achieved by decided scientists. It was then when I knew I wanted to become a scientist, for I wanted to contribute to the study and development of all things around me.

As a matter of fact, I desired so much to have a laboratory in my room (Dexter’s Laboratory or Jimmy Neutron style) that I convinced my parents to build me my own bath (I considered it my first laboratory). While studying at the Colegio Evangélico Capitán Correa (CECC) in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, in sixth grade I presented my first science fair project. In this project I attempted to build a small solar car with household recycled materials, and succeeded wining the first-place medal for my grade. In seventh grade, my science fair project was about how different kinds of music genres affected the growth of plants (focusing on exploring the concept of sonotropism), succeeding and winning a first-place ribbon. At eight grade I attempted to build a small aluminum boat powered by steam.

Unsatisfied with the common core curriculum I had been subjected during my Elementary and Junior School years, I applied and got accepted to study at CROEM, which is a prestigious boarding school specialized on Science and Mathematics in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. Among some of the most interesting courses I took while in CROEM were: Linear Algebra, Geometric Analysis, Statistics, Pre-Calculus, Genetics, Human Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, Ecology, Astronomy and Research I, II & III. Life in CROEM was much more than independent pre-undergraduate studies, I participated in many student associations such as: Student Press (El Buho al Dia, Vicepresident), Pre-Medicine Club (Future Medical Society, Secretary), Farming Clubs (Future Farmers of America, chapter member), Religious groups (Circulo Interdenominacional de Oracion, Treasurer), Research Clubs (Science and Research Society, funding member) and Male Dorm Leader (Residencia Clemente, Leader of Room 5, Room 12 and Male Residence). In my last year of CROEM I conducted, in partnership with another fellow student, pre-undergraduate research at the UPRM with Dr. Carlos Rios-Velazquez, PhD. Our research consisted in testing different plants such as Curcuma longa, Fragaria vesca and Vitis vinifera for bio-inhibition properties of Staphylococcus aureous using the Kirby-Bauer method. Following up the culmination of our research, we proceeded to present it at the Puerto Rico FFA's Science Fair, where we receive first place at the regional and state level, and finally at the AGMUS Fall and Spring Pre-undergradute Research Symposium. On June 2014, I graduated CROEM High School with 16 years of age and was accepted to study a bachelor degree on Industrial Biotechnology at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus and having 12 AP credits, in English and Spanish, approved.

During the summer of 2014 I was selected to attend the Summer BETTeR-IC+ Summer Camp. The summer camp was great, I received a unique opportunity to meet great people and make great networking with leading Biotechnology companies. However there was an underlying feeling of loneliness and self-doubt developing in me. This experience helped me understand that I was in for a bumpy ride, but I love to encounter challenges for they're opportunities for growth.

On August 2014, I started officially as an Industrial Biotechnology UPRM freshman student. Many hopes, illusions and fears where risen in me.

finished the rest of my school years and graduated at eleventh grade.

New endeavors were to be taken, High School was over