1. Where did you grow up?

Cidra, Puerto Rico, is where my story begins. My parents grew up on the same street as my grandparents. I attended elementary, middle, and high school there.

2. Do you remember any teachers who inspired you?

My high school Spanish teacher, Ms. Rodriguez, inspired me to keep reading and learning, while my art teacher, Mr. Muñoz, helped me explore my creativity. Both teachers made a lasting difference in my life after high school.

3. What is your favorite book?

Of all the books I’ve read, my favorite is The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote de La Mancha by Miguel de Cervantes (Spain, 1605). It was introduced to me in high school by my Spanish teacher. I remember the scene of the windmills as he imagined them to be ferocious monsters.

4. Who is your favorite artist?

I don't have a specific favorite; I enjoy many artists, including Norman Rockwell, Ansel Adams, Faith Ringgold, Maya Lin, Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso, Frida Kahlo, and Diego Rivera.

5. Where do you get your inspiration from?

I gather inspiration from everywhere: nature, the people I meet, and my travels. Everything around us can spark creativity. Even the birds chirping outside my window have inspired me to create.

6. Do you remember the first movie that impacted you?

I remember being touched watching E.T. with my mom and brother in the theater. I also enjoyed the Indiana Jones adventures and loved watching the Gremlins.

7. What inspired you to become a writer?

I read books during my downtime, and the stories stayed with me. They inspired me to share my own stories with my students.

8. What inspired you to join the military?

Many of my family members inspired me to join the military. At 17, I enlisted to help pay for college and travel expenses. I gained all that and unforgettable life experiences.

9. Do you have any writing tips for an aspiring author?

Read as many books as possible. Learn from topics beyond your main interests. Don’t see writing as a chore; enjoy it. Like driving, the more you practice, the better you get.

10. Who are your favorite authors?

Many come to mind: Roald Dahl, Stephen King, Guillermo del Toro, Cornelia Funke, Nicholas Sparks, Isabel Allende, Gabriel García Márquez, and Miguel de Cervantes, to name a few.

11. What inspired you to become a teacher?

I have always enjoyed learning and wanted to stay in that environment, so what better place than a school? Students of all ages inspire me to share my knowledge, especially when teaching about the arts. My mom was an elementary teacher and later taught nursing students.

12. What has been the proudest moment in your career?

When I taught high school art, I received the Teacher of the Year award and was elated. It’s like winning a Grammy Award for teachers. Your peers nominate you and vote based on your commitment to teaching excellence and contributions to students and the school. Seeing many of my students win awards in competitions and pass their AP art exams also made me proud.

13. Who or what inspired you to write your first book?

My students inspired me to write. Everyone has a story, yet we often forget who inspired us, our childhood, and our triumphs and challenges.

14. Do you consider yourself a plotter or a pantser?

I am a plantser; I use a mix of both approaches, which helps me stay efficient and creative. I like having flexibility and letting ideas develop organically without sticking too closely to a plan.

15. Any advice you want to share with others?

Enjoy life, read books, travel, and be creative. Books take you places you can only imagine. Traveling is a classroom with open doors to the world. Learn as much as possible by attending school, college, or university. I learn something new every day, and I encourage others to make it a habit as well. Become an expert at something and be passionate about your career. Then, share your knowledge with your family, loved ones, and others. We all learn from each other and need different perspectives to support one another. Remember, we each have something unique to contribute to the world until we leave this planet.

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