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Cesarean Birth
I was born in a hospital through a Cesarean section because by the time that my mother had diluted close to 10 centimeters, there was a breech in my position. Turned out my head was not in the usual downward position and was not turning despite the methods used. -
Stay At Home
Throughout my infancy, my mom was a stay at home mom and cared for my well being and was very nurturing. She was a very authoritative parent because she had expected me to be well behaved like she taught me to be. -
Crawling
By the time I was 7 months old, I began to get curious about my environment and learned how to crawl. Though to my parents delight, I fell on my face a few times, I eventually was able to crawl around the house without any complications. -
First Birthday Surprise
According to my parents, by the time that I turned one, I surprised everyone by walking during my first birthday party. Although it was only seven steps, my parents were very proud of me. -
"Gutom"
Because I was born in Philippines, my first word was something in my native tongue about being hungry. That word was "gutom" and according to my mom, I would go throughout the day just screaming that word out for unknown reasons even when I was actually not in fact hungry. -
Barbie, Yes; Cars, No.
I remember the first time that I was ever introduced to Gender is with the toys that I wanted to play with. Although I have to admit that I preferred to play with cars and game boxes rather than dolls, I was only 6 at the time and did not know why it was such a big deal to my mom as to why I could not play with those toys. Until I realized that the toys I wanted to play with were meant for boys. In the end, I threw a fit because I was angry and thought it was unfair. -
Pedal Like The Wind
Believe it or not, I had learned how to ride a bike by falling and continuously getting back on it until I got the hang of it. Turns out I was a natural on it. Even without training wheels. -
Wooden Spoon
The first time that I have ever learned to cook, I fell in love with it. Maybe it was the fact that my father was a chef so it probably came naturally but I still remember how excited I felt being in the kitchen. The first dish I ever made, with the help of my father of course, was Adobo which is my favorite dish. -
A Whole New World
When I first moved to Hawaii, being only 7 years old, I never really thought about other cultures or races apart from being Filipino. So when I was put into the melting pot that Hawaii had to offer, I was honestly culturally shocked. I met so many different ethnicity's that I did not even know exist. -
Best Friend?
The very first person that I talked to when I started third grade in the states is another girl who actually arrived in Hawaii from the Philippines over the summer. She was the same as me and we bonded over the fact that we now live in a completely foreign world and quickly became best friends because we understood each other perfectly. -
First Boyfriend
When I first entered the sixth grade, I never would've thought I would get my first boyfriend then. My mom was the first person I told and of course being a very cultured Asian mom, she had told me to not focus on those type of things and that I was too young. I didn't listen of course and turns out she was right because in the end, all I got to show for it was a broken heart and losing one of my best friends. -
MOM!!!
The only reason why I vividly remember the day that I got my period for the first time was because it happened during the ending of a school day on Valentine's day. To say I was freaking out when I checked in the bathroom at school is an understatement. Immediately, I called my mom and she was even crying claiming that I was now a women while I was losing it on the phone. It was a funny yet horrifying experience, at least for me. -
First Day of High School
When I got to high school, I thought I was literally going to die from homework because that's what my brother told me. But, when as I sat down in all my classes fully paying attention, I realized that it was not that bad. I remember my favorite subject being History because I never really knew anything about the World Wars or even who Napoleon was because I thought he was just an Ice cream flavor. -
Wait, What Did You Say?
Around the ending of my sophomore year, we were getting our report cards for the third quarter and this was the first time that I've ever had a stereotype used against me. "Oh, wow, all A's. Must be that Chinese gene in you ling ling." Although he meant it as a "joke", and as my friend, I don't think he realized how disrespectful that is to me. -
Choices, Choices
The first time I entered junior year, immediately I had gotten bombarded with SATs this, college this, and ACTs that. I honestly scared because although I've thought about my future like that, it was not to that extent. I mean I knew that I wanted to become a therapist or a psychologist I just didn't think that it would cause that much of a headache for me. And despite being naturally driven, it seemed like that more that I got bombarded, the more I shied away from the process until I didn't. -
Is This Right?
The cost of admission for college was heavy on my mind and I knew that my mother could not afford to pay thousands upon thousands of dollars for my tuition because she was just a single mom. Although UCLA was my dream school, I had to really look at my reality. My mom apologized to me about not being able to support me but I reassured her that it was okay. Going to college, despite where, is still an achievement that not a lot of people have access to and she was so proud of me. -
It Is.
During my second year at Leeward Community College, I met someone. Although it will not be my first relationship, I had waited until I was able to fully give myself to someone and it seemed like they were worth the wait. As cliche as it sounds, I've always wanted to meet my soulmate while I was still a work in progress because growing with someone is a different type of love that I yearn for. -
I did Mom!!
It was now the moments after I had walked through the stage of my graduation. Tears are streaming down my face and all I could think about is my mom. I did it Mom. I am a doctor now. All your sacrifices for me and our family has come to fruition. -
Marriage
Remember that person I was talking about meeting at college? Well they are now waiting for me down the aisle of our wedding ceremony. My mom is walking me down the aisle and all I could see is the tears streaming down my future spouse. The view behind them is breathtaking and my heart swells with joy. Who would've thought that this day was finally happening. -
Safe Haven
After having worked for a private practice learning experiences on how to better become a child psychologist, I was finally able to open my own. I am naming this practice Safe Haven because I want children to be able to come here and feel protected. I want to be able to provide a safe space for them to be who they are unapologetically. -
Babies!
By the time that I turn 31, I had became pregnant with my first child who is a boy and we decided to name him Xavier after my husband's late grandfather. I've always wanted to have a boy and I cannot wait to meet him. -
Motherhood
By now I have given birth two other times to my daughters Isabella Marie and Alexandra. To say Xavier was ecstatic to welcome home his sisters is an understatement because he is so overprotective of the two. For the first two years of their lives, I always took a leave from work to be able to focus on them and be there for them like my mother has always been for me. I guess I followed into her footsteps of becoming an Authoritative parent. -
Travel
After raising my children and having them all leave for college of their choice, I always wanted to be able to travel so that's what my husband and I did. We both came up with a vision board that consists of the world map and for every place we have visited and yet to visit, we will attach a picture of us two into the shape of each place. I feel like my young, adventurous self once again looking at this board. -
Peace
When God permits, I want to be able to come back home. The place that holds so much memories of the child I was and how the person I came to be was molded. As I take my last breathe, I want to say that I did it all and am welcomed with the warmth of my family. I want to be able to leave knowing that I have impacted people in some sort of form no matter how small it might have been. With a smile, I let go.