Genaro (Right): I was born in Peru, and I came to this country at the age of three. I grew up in Elmhurst so when people ask me where I’m from, I say, "I’m from Queens.”
Some of my friends think it’s weird that I wake up early to check the stocks every day before school. But I find it very interesting, especially when one small change in the market changes everything.
Both my daughters have been involved with QCH after school programs since they started school. My oldest is in seventh grade at JHS 217 and my youngest is in third grade at PS 86.
I first came to the Forest Hills Senior Center fifteen years ago. At that time, I didn’t know many people here, and I’d never taken a Tai Chi class. I am originally from Taiwan and spent many years traveling the globe for my career, so new experiences never intimidate me.
My first memories of QCH are from when I was four years old. I attended the Early Childhood Program, which was great for my parents since they both worked. When I was 11, I joined the Afterschool Athletics program.
I never saw myself becoming part of the culinary field. My dream was to become a private detective, so when I started college, I pursued Criminal Justice.
I came to America in 1972 from Mumbai. I had two beautiful daughters and launched a 25-year career in the Insurance industry. When I retired in 2012, I learned about QCH’s Senior Center in Forest Hills.
Growing up, my stepdad was a Federal Agent, so I’ve lived in almost every state on the East Coast from New York to Florida. I’ve worked in every field, from food service to truck driving to construction to car sales.
