The Essence of Venezuela

My early years, a story etched into my soul like tree roots in the earth or the core of a planet. I recall my first flicker of consciousness at the tender age of two in Venezuela. It's a memory that defies explanation, a feeling of being awake, nestled in nurturing warmth, gazing at a flickering screen, and tasting the metallic shock of a battery. Perhaps it's that jolt that keeps this recollection vivid.

Venezuela, it courses through my veins, an unshakeable bedrock. Even as I relocated to South Carolina at the age of two, Venezuela's essence permeated our home. Home, a simple construct of my mom, dad, and sister. That was where I spoke Spanish, savored arepas, swayed to the rhythms of romantic salsa, scrubbed floors every Saturday morning, and huddled with my family after Sunday mass to watch movies. We had little in material wealth, yet we were wealthy in love, an energy that radiated from my very being.

The Path of Perseverance and My Family's Resistance

My parents, compelled by forces greater than themselves, left their homeland. They yearned for a brighter future for my sister and me. Let's not dwell on clichés; life in South Carolina was simple, but humans, we bring complexity. So much complexity. I felt bright yet obtuse, creative yet simple, intriguing yet plain. spiffy yet aloof. It was a world that orbited around me, yet I yearned to escape the 'me' and embrace the ‘other’.

Throughout my childhood, my parents toiled as janitors, housekeepers, chefs, dishwashers, and maintenance workers. The arduous task of scraping gum off floors was unbearable, but my father, a man of great fortitude, transformed his struggles into success. When he lost his job at in 2008, he used his wealth of experience to launch his own business. He oversaw those jobs that most shunned. He nurtured it, expanded it, showing me the indomitable power of human will, the resilience of immigrants, and the boundless love for family. How he lifted us out of poverty, only God knows, but surely, business played a significant role.

His sacrifice and tenacity opened doors for our family. We began to help those in Venezuela, my father extending his hand to pay bills, mortgages, debts, medical expenses, and food costs, giving tens of thousands of dollars in aid. It was awe-inspiring and mesmerizing. How did he continue to grow our wealth while doing this? Business became my passion, as compelling as art itself. I desired to help others while achieving greatness.

Brother and Sister

I had a sister, my so-called "evil twin" – the one seemingly exempt from accountability for her misdeeds. Yet, in truth, I was the unruly one. I played the part of an evil genius, and she, the princess. We'd engage in these little games until one of us got hurt, then replay the story repeatedly until boredom set in. I loved my sister as a child; she served as a necessary reminder that some people obtain things effortlessly because of who they are, while the rest of us must earn them. I didn't make the rules; I just broke them. Yet, despite her royal treatment, I was her older brother, and she looked up to me. I carried that responsibility within me.

The Journey with God

Church was a cornerstone of my upbringing. Catholicism was ever-present in our home. We'd gather as a family, praying the rosary with intent, whatever our intentions may be. With God, there was a certain hesitance, a desire to understand more. I was an inquisitive child, armed with a laptop and access to the boundless knowledge of the internet. What awaited me was a realm of endless possibilities. Early on, I discovered my passions – art, money, philosophy, girls, authenticity, and masculinity. What more could a child desire?

I followed the path, all the way to confirmation. It felt more like a necessity than an obligation, something I would understand later. Contrary to common tales, the church was kind to me, even though I was mischievous. I attended retreats where I witnessed peers weep during prayers before the Holy Eucharist, while I remained composed. God's presence didn't overwhelm me; it was simply evident to me that God existed, that He was a person. So, I treated Him as such – someone I held accountable, debated with, and reasoned with. My childhood with God was amusing and shallow. I'd pray for video games while contemplating the intricacies of the Trinity. I'd pray for others and wonder why they didn't believe. It was a perfect blend of curiosity to keep me engaged, innocent, and mischievous.

Courage Amidst Challenges

I endured bullying, so I learned to fight. I earned a black belt in Taekwondo, realizing that mastery came from within. You might know how to kick, but would you do it when it counted? I wanted to ask a girl out, so I researched how to do it. But would I have the courage in the moment of truth? As a child, I was hard on myself, pushing through my fears. It must be genetic, as my mother and father shared that same trait.

Nurturing Artistry

Internal dialogue defined my childhood. I dreamed of future worlds, relished friendships, although they were fleeting. I could have pursued athletics, but I was drawn to painting, like the scent of freshly baked scones in the morning – irresistible. Drawing was my childhood, the wellspring of my imagination, a bridge to making friends, a solace in times of sadness, a tool to navigate school, and the blueprint for my life goals. It was my way of making the invisible visible, not only for myself but for others.

I excelled in painting. By age seven, I showcased my artworks at school. By eight, I attended gifted and talented art studio classes intended for high school students. At nine, I participated in art exhibitions at the downtown Peace Center in Greenville, South Carolina. In middle school, I had already advanced significantly in my artistry, and by my freshman year in high school, I was part of the Artisphere festival in Greenville, where I competed twice. My professors lauded my artistic talent, and I embraced it as a responsibility to perfect my craft.

Cherished Memories

My childhood, encapsulated here, brimming with love and family, is shared to warm your heart and reaffirm the goodness that exists in the world. I never took those formative years for granted. While there may have been more hardships than joys, I choose to remember the latter. The valuable lessons from the tougher moments stand within me like a newly laid brick wall – each brick placed with grace, equipping me with the confidence to move forward in life.