An Expressive Introduction

Hello Monkeys,

I want to use this introduction to truly express my aspirations and background without the fear of coming off as unprofessional in a CV or Interview.

I was born in Cuba in the beggining of what is called the "special period." During this time all aid from the soviet union stopped for the obvious reasons, and the people of Cuba, including my family began suffering from famine among other shortages. My family was able to escape the island after my parents and brother traveled across the North Atlantic Ocean and reached the shores of Florida. I was 13 at the time and let's just say it wasn't pleasant.

Can you guys imagine being a kid and going through all that and arriving to a country that is brand new, where your language is not spoken? I acclimated pretty well, within 6 months I was speaking choppy english. My writting skills were superior, even landed me a 6 (highest score) on the FCAT (florida standardized testing). Since I performed at the top 5% of the school I was offered a small certificate and an opportunity to go on a trip to Disney land (for the first time). I wasn't able due to not having the $20 required by the program.

The new country, language barrier, and overall stress broke down my family. Only a year after being in the US, my parents divorced and separated. That hit me pretty hard but my performance at school remained above average: averaging a 3.5 GPA and partaking in honors classes. I grew up without much guidance. My parents were too worried working in a factory making minimum wage to pay our rent and living expenses to help on much of anything career related. I grew up learning to be an individual and developed an introspective view of life. I spent most of my time obsessed with the internet, playing video games. Aimless. When I graduated from high school, I joined the military in search of free education. I wasn't even aware that Bright Futures would have covered 100% of my tuition. Leaving my house was also a priority, I didn't really feel at home after my parents divorced.

The next three years after joining the military were a blast. Adrenaline induced euphoria left and right. Driving huge tanks. Firing big guns. It was all great. After my contract was up, I went back to school. I met the love of my life and we married. At the moment, I've set this goal for myself. To become an investment banker. For two years now I've been trading stocks and following financial news on my own time with my own money. I've read a lot about the work, and it just seems so interesting to me. I've always been good with technology, numbers, writing. The idea of organizing mergers and acquisitions, writing pitches or creating models keeps me awake at night with excitement. When I focus on a task I can sit down for hours at a time until it gets done without caring for a break. I'm the kind of person that does the 15-page paper due at the end of the semester during the first two weeks. Investment banking just seems like such a good fit.

Unfortunately, the investment banking industry is extremely competitive. There are great candidates for the many IB firms out there. My background is lackluster in comparison to the many people who have had the guidance through their youth to achieve their dreams and the funds to spend on great services like the ones this site offers. I'm broke.

But I don't give up so easily. I will do whatever it takes.

Note: I am in love with cycling. Be it road, or mountain. I can talk about it all day.

I'd like to make friendships with any of you. Doesn't matter whether you're a top kong or a fellow chimp. I believe in the power of the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. If you live in Miami, FL, let's get together and ride some bikes, I can borrow a bike for you if you don't have one.