My parents immigrated to the U.S. from Cuba in the 1960's in search of a more free and prosperous life. I was born in New York City although I was raised in Northern New Jersey. Cuban culture and tradition greatly influenced our home life and helped to instill the Latin values of caring for others that I have carried with me throughout my education and professional career. The medical field came naturally to me as my mother worked in a geriatric facility, exposing me to caring physicians. Personal health problems in high school also gave me a firsthand view of the power of medicine, and I wanted to dedicate my life to helping others as my doctors had.