Karla Perez
My childhood self really wanted to become a criminal defense lawyer (with an actress/chef side hustle), but upon entering my first year at Lake Forest, I fell in love with philosophy. Through philosophy, I learned that my importunate confusion about how and why things work is not a shortcoming, but rather a means to gain a deeper understanding of the world. I figured that if I learn to ask questions, I can teach myself anything. So, during my sophomore year, I decided to try coding for the first time. I saw that I could actually learn and enjoyed doing it, so I decided to pick up a major in data science. This small feat allowed me to begin to dismantle my childhood belief that intelligence, e.g., artistic abilities, and logical comprehension, is determined at birth—you either got it or you don’t. Luckily, I am beginning to understand the power of intention, practice, passion, and good mentors.
In my free time, I enjoy playing my violin, weightlifting, going on bike rides, attending live jazz performances, and pretending I am a food connoisseur. I intend to learn how to sew my own clothing, produce house music, and flip furniture.
