My name is Alvina and I was born in Cusco, Peru. I spent my early years with my grandparents in an Andean farming village called Cusco, where many of my extended family still live. There, I went to elementary school and learned my first language, Quechua, the language of the Incas. At an early age I developed a special interest in exploring the mountains, learning as much as I could about the native plants, animals and local customs. I loved learning about the plants that local people use to make medicines, shampoos, and dyes for textiles. I also grew up taking care of my grandparents’ crops and livestock by helping with planting and harvesting as well as feeding and tending the animals.