Julies world 

Since Julie Cardozo was young, Julie would often look after stray cats in her neighborhood. She would leave food out for them and check on them when they were hurt. Her love for cats started since she was young and has continued to be an important part of her life.

“I think it's probably going to be because they're animals because I have so many like stray animals in my neighborhood and I always have little food out for them and I'm always looking after for them and if they have any little wounds or anything,” says Cardozo.

Cardozo is now 17 years old and a senior in high school. Being in her last year of high school can often be hard at times. She has many responsibilities with school, friends, and family, but she still makes time for things she cares about. She enjoys little moments with the cats and helping stray cats in her neighborhood.

“When cats rub up on me they make me feel special. It’s when they give head rubs. I just feel a little connection with them. I think it’s easier to make connections with cats than other animals.

Her family has always supported her and also played an important role in her life. They gave her support when she needed help and always gave her advice to keep going when her life became difficult at school dealing with assignments and when she was scared to ask for help. Cardozo knows she can always get advice from her family when she is struggling. Their support has helped her become more confident and believe in herself. 

“Yes, they’ve helped me grow into the person I am because they always tell me good things every morning. I mean like it's always good, it's always things like I remind myself oh well like I don't even think about what today stands I always feel my advice from them. “

High school has not always been an easy journey for Cardozo. There are times when school can feel stressful, but she has learned that she does not have to face challenges alone. Her friends, family and confidence help her stay motivated. When she feels stressed, spending time with her family, friends, and cats can help her feel more comfortable. Her family would guide her on what step to take next and give her a breakdown when she needed it.

Growing up, Cardozo’s sister has always been there for her. Her sister and her have been through similar situations like dealing with pressure in school at the same time. Since they are close in age, they treat each other similarly and understand what the other person is going through.

 “My favorite memory between me and my sister. It’s probably,not really, certain memories, but It’s mainly… it’s kind of, like, how we treat each other, knowing that, like, oh, since we’re kind of close in age, like, we go through the same things,and that if anything ever happens to me like I can go to her and be like oh has this happened she's like yeah it does and this is what I did to like, that solve problem.”

As Cardozo gets closer to graduating, she is thinking more about her future. She hopes to find a job that involves taking care of animals. 

“I want to probably be a veterinarian in the future, because I really like animals.”

From helping stray cats since she was young to getting prepared for her life after high school, Cardozo has stayed true to what she loves. Her family, her sister, and love for cats shaped who she is today.