I grew up in a particularly diverse neighborhood in Houston, Texas, which led me to cultivate an interest in, as well as respect for, other cultures. For as long as I can remember, I have lived in a diverse and multicultural area. Growing up, my friends were from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds, and so I had very broad view of the world from an early age. I believe that this early respect and interest I cultivated in other cultures led to my passion for travel. I thoroughly enjoy immersing myself in different cultures, however,  I've had only one trip outside of the United States. I do plan on filling my passport book in the future.  

Japan is the only other country that I have been to, so far. It is said that you must know yourself before you can truly know others. I think that this axiom is true, which is why I've put international travel on hold in order to get to know the United States a bit better. I've been to most of the western United States, but I have not visited all fifty... yet. 

Below is a slideshow highlighting some of the places that I've visited.