Reflecting on my personal political journey, I recall starting as a conservative Christian Democrat in high school while living in my native Bolivia. My perspective shifted significantly during my college years at UCLA, where I became a progressive democrat, passionately advocating for civil rights and free speech on campus. This evolution continued in graduate school at UCSB, where I embraced revolutionary socialism, dedicating a significant portion of my life to fighting for the underprivileged in Nicaragua and Bolivia. However, over time, I came to realize the limitations of socialism. Despite my genuine intentions, the results were not as I had hoped, leading me to a critical reassessment. I eventually joined academia, and now, I identify as a social democrat. I strongly believe in the principles of democracy and advocate for a regulated free market economy. This journey has been both challenging and enlightening, shaping my current understanding of political and economic systems.