Who I am, my family, and my upbringing

I was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, in a culturally rich and diverse household. My parents immigrated to the United States from Rivera, Uruguay, a unique border town between Uruguay and Brazil. My grandparents are Brazilian who live in Uruguay. Growing up, Spanish and Portuguese were spoken at home, which not only strengthened my connection to my heritage but also shaped how I see the world today.

I grew up on Chicago’s Southwest Side near Midway Airport, where the constant presence of airplanes became part of my everyday life and childhood. My interest and want to pursue economics began early, largely inspired by watching my parents work tirelessly to build a better life for themselves and my siblings. Seeing their sacrifices and the broader economic realities around me sparked a curiosity about how systems, opportunities, and decisions shape people’s lives. I’ve always been drawn to social studies, and economics felt like a natural extension of that interest. Economics is quite literally everywhere.

In high school, I was part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program, the most rigorous academic track available at my school. This experience challenged me intellectually and pushed me to develop the strong critical thinking and analytical skills I have today. The program’s emphasis on independent research and interdisciplinary learning allowed me to explore my interests in depth while building a disciplined work ethic that will be helping me in the future. As a first-generation college student, attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison represents more than just an academic milestone, it is a reflection of my family’s sacrifices and the opportunities they worked hard to create for me.

I come from a close-knit family as the middle child between two brothers. My older brother is currently finishing his undergraduate degree at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, majoring in creative writing, with aspirations of attending law school. My younger brother also attends the University of Illinois and is exploring a future in the medical field. Being surrounded by siblings with different interests has given me a broader perspective and appreciation for diverse career paths.

My parents are my biggest role models. My father has worked as an electrician for over 30 years, long before coming to the United States. What makes his story especially inspiring is that he never received formal training—he learned entirely through observation and hands-on experience from a young age. His skill, discipline, and intelligence continue to motivate me every day. My mother has been the foundation of our household as a stay-at-home caregiver, dedicating herself to our family. She expresses her love through incredible home-cooked meals, especially traditional Brazilian and Uruguayan dishes that keep us connected to our roots.

Everything I have today and have achieved is a reflection of their sacrifices and support. Their journey has shaped my values, my ambitions, and my drive to succeed. While I may never fully repay what they have given me, I am committed to honoring their efforts through the life and career I continue to build.