Despite hard moments, sacrifices and mistakes, I definitely have to be thankful for the great favors that God has deliver towards me. In those critical moments
when I have felt that my strength, motivation, and money were going away, He had sent me the necessary help to continue working.
When I first started enjoying my new life, I did not know that it was going to be as hard and intense as it is. Believe me, if you want to be a winner, bodybuilding is a tough job. Posing, cooking,
tanning, preparing routines, music, and clothing take time and preparation. However, this entire unknown situation for me has been easier and less stressful often because of the help of innumerable
marvelous people. They have touched my life in different episodes of these 6 long years of my athletic journey.
I will begin with Nairo Foster, a former bodybuilder and a great friend, who devoted many weekends to teach me how to pose and eat. He was there on the front row on my first show, and you can even
imagine the tremendous impact on me because I was not expecting any friends that day. Even today, he is still encouraging and assisting me.
Later I met Pauline Junko, who taught me how to work my posing with grace, elegance, and feminism. She provided me with invaluable material for my routines and posing. I spent hours and hours
watching the masters in order to learn how to flex and look great on stage.
I can't forget trainers such as Mike Frazier, Jim deVault, James Goldman, Roberto Gracian, James Boldman, Marshall Mercado, Tony Jones, Kelly Allen, John Kreklo, and Ernesto Osorio They have
contributed in different points of my journey offering their criticism and knowledge while assessing my physique.
I have never got any help from my gym; however, I can't complain about the treatment received from the management and trainers there in Sharptown. Special
thanks to the handy man, Napoleon, for keeping my dreams always high.
In 2007 I have felt God's blessings more than ever. I have met people that have supported me financially without requiring interest back. Special thanks to Eric Barnes, Mario Garcia -my chiropractor
for a year after working out- , Mario Alpizar, Jacky Dorsey, Jorge Rodriguez, Anthony Garcia -my make up artist-, Silvia Gonzalez , Ana Cruz -my hair stylist and new sponsor-, and Carlos Domino -my
official chiropractor- They are the ones that make me look fabulous on stage.
From the bottom of my heart I have to thank my friend Marcos Giannotti. He didn't have any clue about bodybuilding; nevertheless, he has never complained or given me words of discouragement. Marcos has built my webpage, carried my trophies and swords, taken my pictures and videos, given me confidence, smiled and been happy for me since day one. I consider him my good luck amulet. I count him as one of the few people that I trust without reserves. Thank you a bunch!
Not everybody can say this, but I have people at my workplace that are guarding me. Barbara Jefferson and Guadalupe Valderaz are some of them. Both of them are
my Assistant Principals at school, but they have also showed me their friendship. Mrs. "BJ" has taken my mother's place there while Mr. "V" has been from a driver to a manager in different
occasions.
My coworkers and former students have been relevant on my success too. Miriam Estrada., Angela Hopkins, Mrs. Orduna, Angela Jackson, Mrs. Frank, Mrs. Pena, and Rigo Rosas just to name a few, are on
my long list of gratitude. Believe or not, my students have been instrumental on this endeavor. They take care of my diet and even call to my attention when I am eating something that I am not
supposed to -they do not know that I have an off-season diet. Also, they have learned how to read the nutritional labels and deal with my Food Pyramid situated at the entrance of my class. Do not
even talk about my mood swings! In the last six years, I have learned to be disciplined, organized, and effective. I have been able to transfer these vital skills into my teaching techniques, which
reflects on my students' final results. I have been recognized for my achievements as a Bilingual Teacher, even for the district.
I have to recognize the input received from the judges, even at the national level. They have been honest and explicit on their criticisms. Some of them have also invited me to their gyms. One of those, to say the least, is Prince Fontanot.
I have to include the people from Venezuela, who has always been proud of my achievements. A special mention to Raul Diaz -TV sport journalist-, Edison Pinero -director of El Regional del Zulia-, Marcos Paez , Marcos Duque, Wilmer Borjas, and Carlos Zabaleta -recently deceased sport journalist.
To my remarkable trainer and mentor, Fedder Marquez. He has opened the door to this vibrant and exciting new world to me. He trusts me and encourages me, scolds me if he has to. We see each other once a year, but we spend time on the phone talking about my diet, feelings, and looks when we can. I follow his advice because I believe in him as much as he does me. I feel like having him close to me will make me unbeatable. One of my dreams is having Fedder side by side on one national show in the United States.
For those in the audience that have never seen me perform, you have given me wings.
Last but not least, to my family. In 2008 I have the privilege to have my mother in America. I dreamed with having her in the audience , and I did . For 10
months she suffered and learned to respect my ways of eating and living. After that, she understood and became my number one fan. To my brother Otto, and my babies, Nicolas and Andrea.
PARA TODOS MI SINCERO AGRADECIMIENTO!