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Hey everyone – we would like you to meet David. He’s an amazing person and we love that he’s a part of the Roots community. The next time you see him in the shop stop and say hey! We sat down with him and asked him a few question.

Sum yourself up in two sentences.

Oh God, there’s no way. I am a Michigandering Latin-Italian American from Miami Beach. I am a charismatic, family/food enthusiast, Roots’ coffee/bagel connoisseur.

Meh, it could be better, but it’s accurate!

If there was advice you could give to your younger self what would it be?

I followed my own advice, so I would say, always follow your dreams and always be kind to others.

What is something you have always wanted to try but have been too afraid to?

I think, this is very cliche, but skydiving.

Why do you say skydiving?

Humans are not meant for planes.

So, are you an adrenaline junkie?

No. I am not an adrenaline junkie.

What brought you to Grand Rapids?

I wanted to become a doctor so I applied to medical school and chose Michigan State. So I plan on getting my degree and practicing medicine down in Miami.

What is your favorite thing about Grand Rapids?

The people.

Is the culture different here? How is the culture different?

Absolutely. There is a lack of diversity and that is a big culture shock for me. I’d like to see more integration between communities. But, the communities that are here are absolutely amazing

What is your favorite memory?

I have a lot. I don’t want to get too sentimental but if I were to go sentimental, I’d say this past new year with my grandmother. She has since passed away, but she was very sick and I got to spend the New Year with her and watch the fireworks. It was sad, but it was beautiful.

Are you close with your grandparents?

Very. They’re the reason I study medicine.

What drives you to do what you do? What motivates you?

I am studying medicine and what motivates me is helping others. Knowing that I can make an impact in my community studying medicine pushes me to study harder to do what I do.

What inspired you to go into medicine?

My grandparents, they both had cancer. I just remember how doctors were able to help save my grandparents life and keep them around a few years longer and I wanted to be able to do that for others.

How long have you been in school?

3 years. But, I’ve been a bartender before and I have my degree in psychology.

What is your favorite thing about Roots?

Roots is one of the reason I love living in this building [in an apartment upstairs]. But I will say the people. Both the baristas and the people that come here. It’s just a happy place and I do good work in happy places. Plus, it’s downstairs and I can come in my pj’s if I wanted to.