I come from a very close-knit and supportive family of four. My father is an engineer who taught me the value of hard work and analytical thinking, while my mother is a high school literature teacher who instilled in me a deep love for reading and continuous learning. I also have an older sister who works as a graphic designer in another city. Growing up, our house was always filled with books, debates, and laughter. Although my sister and I have moved out for our careers, our family bond remains unshakable. We have a family group chat that buzzes every single day, and we always gather for major holidays to cook together and catch up on life.

One of the defining aspects of my life is my large, vibrant extended family. I grew up in a household that included my parents, my paternal grandparents, and my younger brother. On weekends, our home would transform into a bustling hub because my aunts, uncles, and numerous cousins lived just down the street. My grandfather is the patriarch of the family—a wise man with endless stories about his past. My mother and aunts are incredible cooks, and family dinners are legendary affairs filled with lively discussions, teasing, and an overwhelming amount of food. Growing up surrounded by so many diverse personalities taught me how to communicate effectively, negotiate, and cherish deep-rooted connections.

I am an only child, and I grew up with just my mom, who is a retired accountant. Because it was just the two of us for most of my life, we developed a uniquely independent yet tightly bonded relationship. She is fiercely resilient and supported me through every ambition I pursued. Nowadays, even though we live busy lives, we share a Sunday tradition of video calling each other to cook our favorite family recipes side-by-side virtually.