Where do you consider to be your hometown?
Los Angeles, CA 
What is your degree program?
Master’s degree in city and regional planning.
What motivates you?
My motivation stems from my upbringing and the sacrifices my family and I made to get me here. Coming from a low-income and immigrant family, enlisting in the United States Army to afford college tuition felt the logical choice. From a young age, my family instilled in me a work ethic that led to a successful military career. That work ethic has gotten me through undergrad and is now guiding me through grad school. My perseverance through all this is motivated by a clear goal I have always had: to not squander the opportunity my family provided me, being the son of immigrants.
Why did you choose UNC-Chapel Hill when deciding on a program/place to study?
As a Carolina alumnus, the decision came easy. I reveled in the opportunity to attend a top-five, nationally ranked program like the Department of City and Regional Planning and learn alongside the exceptional students and faculty the program attracted.
How have you built community at Carolina?
I have found that sharing art and hobbies with those around you is an excellent way to strengthen friendships and build community while also growing as a person.
Describe Diversity and Student Success in five words!
Enabling success through genuine consideration.