I am a first-generation American in my family. Born in Phoenix, Arizona (in 1999), and raised in Deming, New Mexico. I graduated high school in 2017 from Deming High School in Deming, New Mexico, and immediately enlisted in the United States Navy. I was shipped off to boot camp on July 5th of the same year. I now live southeast of ODU in the heart of the Historical Ghent District of Norfolk, Virginia.

I’m still a full-time active-duty sailor in the U.S. Navy with over seven years of service. I’m also the youth leader and a Sunday school teacher at First Presbyterian Church of Norfolk. There, I teach and lead four different groups (children ages 3-5, 3rd-5th grade, 6th-8th grade, and 9th-12th grade). I enrolled at ODU in 2023 to pursue my goal of commissioning as a Navy Chaplain. As a Religious Studies major, I hope better to understand other sailor’s religions in the fleet. Religion has always been the most significant part of my life.