Today we’d like to introduce you to Lydia Velez Gonzalez
Hi Lydia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Hey there! You might recognize me from Love is Blind Season 5, but my story started long before I ever appeared on your screens. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, I’m one of five siblings who grew up in a humble, unfinished house, where our single mother taught us the true meaning of resilience and determination. My roots are everything to me, and I carry the strength and spirit of a proud Boricua with me wherever I go.
My academic journey began in Puerto Rico, where I earned my degree in Geology. I was always drawn to understanding the world beneath our feet and how we interact with our environment. That curiosity led me to pursue a master’s degree in Environmental Management, which took me from Puerto Rico to Virginia.
But my journey didn’t stop there. After Virginia, I found myself in California and eventually Texas—all by myself, navigating new challenges and embracing every opportunity that came my way. Each move was a leap of faith, fueled by my desire to grow both personally and professionally.
Throughout these experiences, I’ve remained deeply connected to my roots, always carrying with me the lessons learned from my family and the vibrant culture of Puerto Rico. Today, I’m proud to stand as a representation of where I come from and what I’ve achieved, from my academic successes to the incredible experience of sharing my story with the world on Love is Blind.
Every step of my journey has been about more than just geographical moves; it’s been about proving to myself that I can rise above any challenge, and it’s about honoring the sacrifices my mother made to give us a better life. I’m grateful for every experience that has brought me to where I am today, and I’m excited to continue this journey, wherever it may lead.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Never in my life have I experienced a smooth road. Each chapter has come with its own set of challenges, some of which were incredibly difficult to navigate.
During high school, I was bullied, which left deep emotional scars. College was another tough period; I was working 30 hours a week at a fast-food restaurant while studying full-time, which often felt overwhelming. When I applied for my master’s degree, I faced rejection in pursuing seismology, a field I was deeply passionate about. This was a significant setback.
In my work life, I’ve been let go from jobs in the food industry, often due to being too strict in environments where that was unwelcome. These experiences chipped away at my confidence. Additionally, I’ve battled depression and anxiety, which made everything feel even more uphill.
Financial security was something I never had until I met my husband. Before him, I had no one to rely on, which added to my stress and uncertainty. I’ve also faced some incredibly painful personal experiences, including instances of molestation and the loss of immediate family members, which left me feeling isolated. Growing up without a paternal figure only compounded these feelings of loneliness.
But through it all, these struggles have shaped me into who I am today. Each challenge, while difficult, taught me resilience, strength, and the importance of never giving up, even when the road is anything but smooth.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As a Project Geologist, I like to think of myself as the doctor of the Earth—diagnosing issues and prescribing solutions to heal the Planet. My work primarily involves remediating oil and gas sites where contamination has occurred, often with products that include harmful carcinogens. On a day-to-day basis, I’m deeply involved in investigation, technical writing, and problem-solving in the field. Project management is also a significant part of my role, as I ensure that everything runs smoothly from start to finish, and the projects are my responsibility.
But that’s not all! Part-time, I’m a content creator, and I’m passionate about using my platforms to inspire others. If I can achieve my dreams, I believe you can too! My goal is to be a source of motivation, showing people that it’s possible to thrive in multiple spheres, whether it’s in science, content creation, or whatever path they choose.
I also have a deep passion for modeling, something I used to do as a hobby and truly miss being behind the lens. It’s a creative outlet that I’m eager to revisit and pursue more seriously in the future. It’s not just about being in front of the camera; it’s about expressing myself and connecting with others in a different way. Looking ahead, I’m planning to make modeling a bigger part of my life, alongside my professional and content creation work.
Any big plans?
Looking ahead, my husband and I are excitedly planning to buy our first home together, which is a huge milestone for us. It’s not just about owning property; it’s about creating a space that truly feels like ours.
On the professional side, while I’m deeply passionate about my work as a Project Geologist, I find myself yearning for something more—something that aligns even more closely with my biggest purpose. I’m in the process of exploring what that might be, whether it’s expanding my role within the environmental field or pursuing new opportunities that allow me to make an even greater impact. I’m eager to continue this journey of discovery, seeking out ways to grow both personally and professionally.
In addition to my professional goals, I’m also excited to revisit one of my passions—modeling. It’s something I used to do as a hobby and truly miss being behind the lens. I’m planning to pursue it more seriously in the future, as it’s a creative outlet that allows me to express myself in a unique way.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://lydiavelez-gonzalez.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lavg/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553799162271
Image Credits:
https://www.instagram.com/daytonboxphotography/
