My dad is a writer, and to see him always in front of a typewriter gave me the inspiration to write. He was my idol, my hero. I wanted to be just like him.

In this life, to earn your place you have to fight for it.

You can't achieve anything in life without a small amount of sacrifice.

I prefer an ugly truth to a pretty lie. If someone is telling me the truth that is when I will give my heart.

There's no better makeup than self-confidence.

Scars remind me of just how far that I've come.

I am trying to make my accent so it won't bother anyone, but I am not going to drive myself crazy trying to pretend I am an American girl when I am from Colombia.

It doesn't matter if you are a musician, a business leader, a president or a student. We all have a responsibility to give back.

I can be like a lioness when defending my people.

Education affects every major challenge we face in society. It creates economic growth, paves the way for peace and stability and helps erase the legacy of marginalization.

Live your life to the fullest.

Even the most aware of us do not realize the infinite power we possess or the magnitude of the ability we have to create, transmute, and transcend.

I cannot think well of a man who sports with any woman's feelings

I've been dead over seventy years and still when I hear a woman scream, I find myself standing, listening, wanting to help and unable to do anything except watch.

There are more riddles in a stone than in a philosopher's head

As for what's the most challenging aspect of teaching, it's convincing younger writers of the importance of reading widely and passionately.

In my world, even sure bets are not certain; 'Cause you'll get the picture, then find out it's the cropped version.

At times, my nostalgia for our family life as it used to be--for our own imperfect, cherished, irretrievable past--is nearly overwhelming.

We need to stop apologizing for celebrating life. We need to stop apologizing for wanting to protect an individual's right to build a business.

Poetry is not only a set of words which are chosen to relate to each other; it is something which goes much further than that to provide a glimpse of our vision of the world.

Heal the soul first; then healing of the mind and body will follow.