From Lechería to Columbia: Lessons Learned

I didn’t grow up in Silicon Valley or a major academic city. I grew up in Lechería, a small coastal town in Venezuela where life revolves around the beach, commerce, oil, and enjoying good times with family and friends. In a place where science and academia weren't the center of everyday life, my path to a career in technology felt unlikely — but it also became a defining part of who I am.

A Venezuelan Soul, a Korean Spirit

I come from a Venezuelan family with South Korean roots, and my upbringing was shaped by a unique blend of cultures. From Venezuela, I inherited warmth, optimism, and the drive to create something out of little. From my Korean heritage, I absorbed discipline, resilience, and an unshakable respect for hard work and perseverance.

These dual identities taught me early on that identity is not a limitation — it’s a source of strength when fully embraced.

Chasing a Dream Across Continents

My journey to the United States was full of uncertainty. I came alone to study English for a year, knowing that nothing was guaranteed. I started at community college, often feeling worlds apart from the backgrounds of my classmates. But with determination and relentless effort, I worked my way up — ultimately transferring to Columbia University against all odds.

Along the way, I drew strength from many sources: my parents, who sacrificed more than I could ever repay; my professors, who pushed me beyond what I thought possible; and the liberators and dreamers of history, who proved that with vision and courage, no obstacle is insurmountable.

Living at the Crossroads of Cultures

Living between Venezuelan vibrancy and American pragmatism taught me powerful lessons. I learned to value both community and individual ambition, both celebration and discipline. I saw that progress depends not just on innovation, but on character.

Above all, I learned that no success matters if it comes at the expense of integrity. In my life and work, doing the right thing — even when it's the harder path — is non-negotiable. Integrity is not just a value to me; it's the foundation everything else rests on.

Passions That Shaped Me

Outside of academics, my passions have been some of my greatest teachers:

• Soccer: Teaching teamwork, strategy, and the beauty of collective effort.
• Taekwondo: Growing up in a dojang taught me discipline, patience, and finishing what you start.
• Music: Playing guitar and creating music gave me an outlet for creativity and emotional expression.
• Physics and Math: Nurturing a deep love for problem solving and intellectual rigor.
• Psychology: Early fascination with understanding people, motivating friends, and helping teams achieve bigger goals together.

The Journey Continues

Today, every line of code I write, every system I design, and every venture I build carries echoes of where I come from — a beach town in Venezuela, a taekwondo mat, a Columbia University classroom, and the enduring lessons of two rich cultural heritages.

The most important lesson I’ve learned is simple but hard-earned: Never let where you start limit how far you can go. Stay true. Stay disciplined. Build with heart. And always — always — choose integrity first.