Growing up in Vienna, Virginia, with immigrant parents, I learned early that hard work is the foundation of opportunity. My parents always encouraged me to experiment and try new things, whether that meant building hairspray-fueled rockets, learning cinematography, or practicing calisthenics.

My interests have always been broad, but when a project captures my attention - whether it's building a prototype app or mastering a complex origami design - I become obsessed until it's complete. That drive for perfection is both a rose and a thorn, but it's also what pushes me to see things through and create work I'm proud of.

I deeply value my friends and family, good health, and spontaneity. In my culture, meals are always shared, toasts are made together, and no bottle is empty at the dinner table.