Dear RentMen visitors, SantiagoRossello chose to answer 10 interview questions that were last updated on 04 Aug 2020

Interview

  • What would you like your followers to know about you that is unique and even a bit personal?
    My heritage seems to confuse many people. When someone sees me, they cannot pinpoint exactly what's my ethnicity or my heritage. Many guess Middle Eastern or Northern African. I get Brazilian very often, Egyptian, Lebanese or Palestinian... But I was born in Lloret de Mar, Catalunya. My mother is Cuban-Sardinian, and my dad is Catalan. I didn't get to live in Spain for long before my family moved to Argentina, where I lived from age 3 months until I was 13 and moved to the United States. I have tried to learn Catalan, since most of my father's side of the family are fluent and still liven Catalunya.
  • Tell us what you consider to be your greatest life experience.
    My most memorable experience was the time that I became stranded in Budapest, Hungary. This is a crazy story, but the summary of this is that I was vacationing in Hungary alone, as I sometimes like to do, and decided to visit Budapest after a week in Vienna with friends. When I arrived to Budapest, I stayed in a Hotel not too far from the Hungarian parliament, and the bridge that crosses into the more historic part of the city.

    One of the mornings I was there, I took my camera, my backpack and left to explore the city by foot, as I often like to do. I visited the parliament building, a few gorgeous churches, the Buda castle, and the church of St Matthew near the fisherman's bastion. It was a great day, but as the night began to fall, I was ready to head back to my hotel... except my phone was dead, and I did not remember the name of my hotel... just had a vague idea of where it was. Long story short, I roamed all over Budapest at night looking for my hotel. It was a great experience to get lost and find my way in an unknown city, being unable to speak the language (not many people speak English in Budapest).
  • What makes you stand out from the crowd?
    I’ve been told by many that I have a very energetic, expressive, and approachable face. They tell me that it’s very easy to talk with me because I submerge myself in the topic and I try to fully understand the conversation by asking questions, making comments, and even giving my own take on things. It really helps that I’m very knowledgeable on many things, too!

    I have also been told that I have a very pretty and inviting smile, and the more excited I get, the more I smile and wave my arms. Apparently using excessive hand gestures is not common for Americans, but I grew up using my hands as props to illustrate a point lol. Expect plenty of that!
  • What is your ‘niche’?
    I have several areas where I absolutely excel and shine like a supernova.

    I shine brightest in areas of political science, political philosophy, history, and literature.

    In political science, my passion lies in comparative government and politics. I have Cuban heritage, so the study of democratic transition as well as electoral politics in post-authoritarian states is a big interest of mine. I love to study the former Soviet Union, and Latin America. I also am cursing my Masters in International Security, so I take a lot of interest in matters of insurgency and state fragility. I am a student of the British school of realism, and a big Machiavelli guy. History, politics, and philosophy are intertwined in ways that are very subtle yet important to the understanding of these disciplines.
  • How often do you travel? Do you prefer to travel or you are more of a homebody?
    I travel a lot for fun and because I have a very large family, so there’s always a birthday or wedding or celebration to attend. I’m always willing to travel, and my favourite destinations in the US are Miami, Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and anywhere in Connecticut (I’m in love with the state).

    The day I become a homebody is the day I die haha
  • What kind of diet and fitness regiment do you follow?
    I started taking my workouts seriously not too long ago, so I’m still figuring out what works best for me. I have found that accountability and keeping track of my routines and progress is not only great for my personal knowledge, it also creates in me a commitment to work out. I wake up early every morning and head out to the gym with my best friend at around 7:30 or 8am, we work out for 90minutes or so, and then we have a protein shake and an apple to restore lost sugars and electrolytes.

    As far as diets, I have begun to track my macros and count my calories. I try to be in caloric deficit for fat loss, but also eat plenty of protein-rich foods and the right amounts of good fats and carbs to maximise my muscle growth and development. Lots of fish, lots of chicken salads, and the occasional treat of a nice steak salad from Martin’s Tavern (amazing place!!!)
  • How do you go that ‘extra mile' in your life?
    To me, it’s mind over body. I have been exercising my will power and my ability to not get discouraged or become mentally blocked at the thought of difficulties or adversities. My go-to phrase when things get tough is “this is gonna suck but I’m gonna do it any way”. Why this? Because 1) I’m letting myself know that it will NOT be pleasant, the worst thing I can do is lie to myself and try to fool myself about things; and 2) because regardless of how hard I might think it is, I have set myself out to do it regardless, so that’s what I’ll do.

    Mind over body and that little mantra are how I go the extra mile.
  • What are your hobbies? What do you like to do in your spare time?
    I’m a bit of a jack of all trades, so I enjoy a lot of things. When I have some recreation time I love to go to the gym. This is something that I have started to do this year- just focus on my physique and body image to achieve a pleasant aesthetic and look. I’m also learning Russian (I know it’s odd, but I’m a Russophile haha), so you might see me at a cafe with my “Russian for Dummies” book mouthing something or practicing my Cyrillic. I also love to read the economist to keep me updated on current events worldwide, and I like to read about political science (I always carry a copy of the Prince with me in case I find myself with nothing to do).
  • What are your greatest personal traits?
    My greatest personal traits are my charisma and ability to make any and all situations into something funny. With me there is not a single dull moment. I have a great degree of emotional intelligence, which allows me to develop deep bonds with others and submerge myself in their world.
  • Name 5 things that you can’t live without.
    Off the top of my head, I could not love without my car, my friends, coffee, nature and my books.

    My car because I believe that having a car gives me the freedom to decide where I go and when.

    My friends because I value personal relationships very much and I believe that these connections shape much of who I am.

    Coffee because of my heritage, and because the best conversations are always enjoyed over coffee.

    Nature because I enjoy hiking and running along nature trials. There is something sublime about just observing nature and appreciating the beauty of the earth.

    My books because I enjoy reading and learning new things, and I love adding new volumes to my personal library. So far I have over 200 books on several subjects!