Growing up Story

My story began like any other. With overwhelming warmth and affection, I was welcomed into this world. In God's grace, He gave me life, one that I would learn to cherish throughout my journey under His wing. And in all His kindness, He gave me the ability to give and receive His most profound creation—love.

Firstly, I felt it as my family's eyes lit up upon meeting me and holding me in their arms. Although, surely, I do not recall such distant memories, the tenderness has stayed and has kept me grounded all these years. It is because of their constant care, support, and patience that I felt loved. It is because of them that I learned how to have a heart that burns with passion and to have feet that stand firmly on their own. Unconditionally, they will forever be in my heart.

Growing up, I have put it in my mind that love makes the world go round; that it is the driving force that keeps us moving; that it is the glue that keeps us from falling apart. In turn, I walked through life giving it as much as I could. I kept this philosophy as I started my education and, at the same time, started making friends. Through the years, I met people who made and broke me. But despite the happiness or pain they have caused, one thing is for certain—either way, they have taught me at least one thing that I know now. And for that, I will always be grateful for the bridges I've burned and the ones that I continue to cross.

The journey wasn't easy. But the short point is I am here, now. With endless curiosity, a great desire for purpose, and all the love in my heart, I danced through life and faced every challenge, head-on. And though things weren't always certain, God has always redirected me back to where I should be. With help from people he has willed to encounter and accompany me down this path, I took courage in spite of fear. Eighteen years have passed, but the journey doesn't end here. This marks the end of an era and the start of a new one.

For my future years, I am taking one quote from Gina Linetti from my favorite sitcom, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, to heart: "Success is arbitrary and confidence is everything," to remind me to trust myself, God, and the family and friends who are here to cheer for me, whether it be by my side or from the sidelines. Life is confusing. However, I know that I will never have to face it alone.

This debut celebrates my metamorphosis as I gracefully enter a new chapter of girlhood as a woman. With this, I will take a step forward, never another step back. Each step I am to take on this road will be heavy and trusted, for my family and friends will stand as my pillars. And If I may lose my way, God will be there to bend my story to his will.