So this little “carajito” as Dominicans like to say say turns 37 today. Here are 10 things I learned at 36.

1. I realized a pattern in my life in which I really downplay my victories but sulk in my losses which sometimes doesn’t allow me to feel fulfilled or grateful.

2. You can’t let your job define you. I think for the first four years of me being at the New York Times I let go of Claudio and became “Claudio from the New York Times.” When I had a good day at work, I had a good day with everyone else. When I had a bad day, I had a bad day

With everyone else. Don’t let your job determine your self esteem. You are more than just your job. It’s just an extra part of you.

3. You can’t give your job hours and your personal life minutes.

4. If you think Covid caused your friendship to grow apart, it was probably doing so way before that.

5. I learned that at times I may hold onto things out of insecurity. Out of fear of losing something if someone else is just as good at it.

6. I learned that being a person of color at NYT means nothing if I’m not opening myself up to talk more to people of color not just in the US but across the Caribbean, LATAm and elsewhere. I’m usually low key. And when I started stepping out in public more I realized that many

were happy to see someone my gender, complexion and whose first language is Spanish help lead one part of SEO at the New York Times. The conversation was one where they felt they had access now or had a chance to work here over maybe thinking it wasn’t in the cards. I have an ego

Just like everyone else. I like my attention in spots. But I also like helping people more and if I can help others believe who look like me that wherever they are they can make it to wherever they want I’m game for it.

7. Sometimes you have to stop asking yourself “WHAT” more can I do and focus on look “WHAT” I have accomplished.

8. We need to treat people with the same care we treat our iPhones because they are just as fragile and we never know what someone is going through. They can crack easier than a falling iPhone.

9. I really believe I am one of the best in the world at what I do. I know a lot of times it’s hard for people to hear a person of color say that without labeling them “arrogant” but I really, really believe it and I don’t mean it as a slight to anyone.

10. Hug your parents every time you see them. Say I love you to them as well. There’s so many people who lost loved ones in an instant this year and it’s so important to just give them the same attention and dedication when you’re with them that you give your phone and 9-5.