If we took the time to learn more about different places and people, perhaps we would have more empathy for each other.

I grew up in the middle of everything. I walked the streets alone, I rode the trains alone, I came home at three in the morning alone; that was what I did.

I thought I had to be perfect. I would often make choices I thought would make everyone else happy. I lived at a pace that was "good for my career," whether it was good for me or not. I have learned how important it is to check in with myself and listen, really listen.

Maturity and experience are part of my liberation.

The climate of today is not really focused as much as it was then on being able to speak about different cultural issues or different situations that were going on politically.

Quiet moments recharge me.

There was no other path for me. I knew this was my path. I had to follow it.