Daniel (he/him)

Hello! My name is Daniel, and I am currently studying a Bachelor of Economics at Macquarie University. I am in my second year and expect to complete my degree by mid-2027. I am passionate about macroeconomic policy and labor economics. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, listening to music, and drawing. My favorite artist is René Magritte. 

I was born in Ecuador, a developing country where poverty and poor resource management are persistent challenges. Ecuador’s economic struggles significantly shaped my upbringing and inspired me to pursue a career in economics. Growing up as a gay man in a socially conservative environment was difficult, but it helped me develop the resilience and determination needed to achieve my goals. 

After finishing high school, I moved to Australia to study. Due to differences in Ecuador’s education system, I had to complete a bridging course before starting my degree. Although this was a challenging and stressful experience, being admitted into my program remains one of my proudest achievements. 

I am incredibly grateful to be the recipient of the Matthew McCarron Rainbow Scholarship and to be part of the Pinnacle family. I aim to use this incredible opportunity to further my education and reach my full potential. I am excited to work with a mentor who can guide me in my studies and to connect with other queer people from diverse backgrounds.