I was born in Silver Spring, Maryland, to a Ukrainian mom and a Brazilian dad, who're both first-generation immigrants. My mom had recently just finished medical school at UNC Chapell Hill, while my dad pursued a career in art, showcasing at local cafes, galleries, and even having sales on the front lawn. The family moved from North Carolina to DC, then to Venice Beach, California, where I lived for nearly twelve years from the ages of two to fourteen. A little over three years ago, we relocated to Miami, and have been living in Pinecrest ever since. 

           I thoroughly enjoy many things, including food, art, music, reading, and swimming. I have five cats, two dogs, three chickens, three rabbits, one tortoise (who escaped too many times, so we gave him away, and he marched back to us- the neighbor found him in the middle of the road near our house), and a couple of turtles. I've grown up with pets surrounding me my entire life, as my mom is a huge animal person- I once had hedgehogs, snakes, and ducks living under the same roof. 

         When I'm not busy with school, I'm usually on the piano or have a pen in hand. Over the summer I started a community service project working with nursing homes and cancer patients, providing them with artistic outlets, including a coloring book I published called "A Thousand Things to See". I believe art can serve as a vital relief for many people, whether from illness, grief, or the endless daily stressors life can bring- art has the power to mend souls and create positive mental environments for countless people. In this way, I hope to bring relief to people's lives using my creativity. 

     I plan on majoring in business and becoming an entrepreneur. I'm currently working on cglreview, a blog for study-abroad students to make the most of their experience.