Reflecting on my life and being asked to remember its stories, I find myself immersed in nostalgia. Although these events and challenges from my past evoke a feeling of familiarity, they resemble a distant 'Nathalie' that remains entirely unfamiliar.
Reflecting on the past, recalling the specifics only takes me back to those days of mistakes and lessons learned. However, these memories also show the growth that has shaped me into who I am today. With aspirations, ambitions, principles, and destinations in mind, I continue to strive in this present world with all its marvels.
Exploring My Identity
To discuss my identity necessitates revisiting my origins. I was born on April 14, 1994 at Davao City Regional Hospital in Davao City. Both of my parents hail from Bukidnon; however, upon their initial arrival in Davao City, they we
...re young—my mother was a mere 22 years old. She cared for my three-year-old sister while being eight months pregnant with me.
Realizing the significance of my mother's sacrifice becomes evident as I am currently just three years younger than she was upon her arrival in Bukidnon. Although I am a citizen of this remarkable country and comprehend the language, I still harbor my own apprehensions about what awaits me. The difficulties my mother encountered on this journey are now comprehensible to me, and I will forever hold great admiration for her incredible resilience. At merely 23 years old, my father had already accomplished one of his two primary goals by securing a brighter future for our family.
There were only three of us to support, my older brother, Mark John Vincent, myself, and my younger brother, Harvey Lloyd., who was born in
1999.
Memories
I have numerous memories from childhood through adolescence and into adulthood at an early age. Several experiences stand out vividly in my memory - some filled with joy, perhaps the most joyful that I can recall, while others carry pain and confusion.
Throughout my life, my mother has constantly sought stability. Even after renovating our current home, she often desired to move. As a result, I have resided in two cities and lived in over two houses and one apartment. Attending multiple elementary schools, middle schools, and fortunately only one high school sharpened my ability to remember names.
Being a self-proclaimed "tomboy," I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the mischievous boys in my neighborhood. These days were carefree and filled with boundless imagination, bringing me genuine happiness. Despite any weather conditions, we happily played together for hours. However, as I moved multiple times, these cherished moments came to an abrupt halt and resentment towards my parents started creeping in. As I entered adolescence, my desire for attention shifted towards boys, particularly those foolishly immature guys in my grade.
Specifically, my goal was to locate Jimboy Basarte. He was an attractive and extroverted boy who possessed a unique charm that drew people towards him. We developed a friendship that some individuals believed was built on exchanges of favors. Unlike other girls who pursued him, I held sway over his choices, regularly received presents from him, and consistently accompanied him to dances. Furthermore, he also bestowed upon me my inaugural genuine kiss, which held significance due to the profound bond we shared.
If I had the opportunity to travel back in time, there is one thing that I
would never want to change - my first kiss with my dear friend. As summer approached, we received an invitation to attend yet another dance, a familiar event that we always went to together. It was at this particular dance that I was introduced to Kier Ariel Liboon, one of my friend's cousins who was a shy and reserved freshman. From the moment we met, we immediately clicked and became inseparable, spending countless hours engaged in deep conversations that often lasted until the late hours of the night.
Time passed and we started falling in love. The initial year of our relationship holds countless incredible memories. There were singular 'first times' that, in retrospect, I realize could only have happened once in a lifetime with that special person. I dedicated myself to my studies and my bond with Kier Ariel. As time went on, our relationship evolved, both for better and worse. Kier became possessive and prone to anger, but eventually our relationship reached a point where it is being tested due to the challenges life throws at us.
Even if I feel the pain and the scar, the memories will always be in my heart. Learning to move on is one way to forget the past and step forward for a new beginning of my career that ends with so much joy and happiness in my life.
What Life Means To Me
Life holds various meanings for me. It represents that despite plans not going as expected, they can suddenly work out in your favor or completely turn against you. My life has taught me that acting out of love can only take you so far when the
feeling is not reciprocated.
In the span of nearly 3 years, I have been exclusively with one person. Throughout this time, I have witnessed and encountered experiences that I would not change even now. However, this life has been both challenging and enjoyable, although there were more difficult moments than pleasant ones.
My Perspective on What Awaits
I can genuinely anticipate and feel content. The anxiety about what lies ahead or its uncertainties no longer impact me. Within a few years, my objective is to complete college and acquire the necessary abilities for my desired career path.
In the upcoming year or so, I have limitless dreams that I hope will continue to expand. My vision includes cherishing the company of my family, friends, and God who always provides guidance. To sum up, all my experiences have taught me to never surrender.
Despite facing tremendous challenges, such as a year of separation from my family and a past characterized by stubbornness, I have discovered that life can still provide immense joy and happiness if one perseveres. In fact, I actually prefer the struggle as it has shaped me into the strong individual I am today and taught me the significance of hard work. When observing other women my age who drive the latest cars and have everything handed to them in life, I feel sorry for them because they will never truly understand the meaning of achieving success through their own blood, sweat, and tears like I have.
I am thankful and proud for the opportunities life has given me, both those already experienced and those yet to come. I acknowledge that difficulties will always be present, but I would not
exchange them for anything. Although we may not acquire everything we desire, God will ensure that we receive what we truly deserve.
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