What's Your Secret Sauce?

1. Describe five ways in which you think you have human capital that is truly unique.

When it comes to human capital, there are quite a few things that make me unique. First and foremost, I take pride in my Nicaraguan roots (my mother is a native), and visit there pretty often. These trips lead me into some of my passions: surfing, snowboarding, and skating. I've always been a fan of the extreme, as my father has since he was in high school, and they have led me to a variety of different experiences. I've been to California, Colorado, North Carolina, Nicaragua, Ecuador, The Galapagos Islands, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and a variety of other locations in pursuit of those passions. These experiences have allowed me to interact with and understand a variety of cultures, and make me an overall more well-rounded individual. I am musically obsessed as well, spending my free-time juggling records and playing guitar with friends in makeshift bands that allow me to work well in creative environments, loud environments, and collaborative environments.

When I was about 15 and a half, I began the long and extensive, both physically and mentally, to become a Volusia County lifeguard (that's right, if you visited Daytona Beach for spring break I was probably working). It was a multiple month long process, but it has shaped me in so many ways, I couldn't begin to list them all. I've saved people firsthand from drowning, preformed medical assistance on victims such as those stung by stingrays, and carried out a variety of other tasks at my office, the beach, that have shaped my adult character.

2. Interview the five people who know you best.

Each interviewee answered the question, What makes me different?

One: You are the most creative guy I know! You can draw, play guitar, surf, skate, I don't know I just think there's a lot of creativity going on in there that stands you apart from other people I Know.

Two: You're not as judgmental and annoying as other guys; I'd rather go get a coffee and talk about my problems with you than most other boys because I feel like you're more understanding and nice then most of them.

Three: You always find a way to get it done. Sure, maybe you procrastinate some stuff but everything is always done right and on time and I'm impressed on the way you always manage to do just that, impress.

Four: You're relatable! We can talk about pretty much anything and there's never any awkwardness even though we only met last year. Even if we don't agree or can't share the same experience, you can find a way to respectably and engagingly keep the conversation going.

Five: You're way better at being able to juggle life and finances and schooling than I am, that's for sure. I know you have to work hard each summer and don't get the same kind of  money from your parents that I get, and I bet it's gonna ensure a better chance at success in the future.

All of these interviews led me to realize that I mostly got the majority of my things, but people are much more fond of my personality (charisma, work ethic, etc.) then I previously thought. I think these are important entrepreneurial skills, and I'm glad to see people talking about them.

3. Reflect on the differences.

While a lot of the ways I view myself and others do tend to match up, there were some things that I just wasn't aware of. For example, I've had a county job since I was 15 (I know, I was supposed to be older) and money was always an interest and almost priority to me. Since I don’t live in other's brains, I wasn't aware of this lack of recognition of the importance of finances that I had and others lacked. I'm grateful for those experiences that shaped me to this day.

I don't think there are many corrections I need to make to my list, except to maybe add some specific personality traits of myself. This is another thing I personally find better heard from peers, but it is something I could add.