Two years

It has been two years.

Arrived at SFO: December 14 2011

 It was the 14th of December of 2011 when I first felt the shivers from the cold San Francisco air. I can still recall the darkness of the sky and the stillness of the air on this day. It was a calm night yet it was not comforting. Maybe I was just frightened and scared about this new journey as I see no stars twinkling above me nor the moon which always wished me luck. I knew that as the sun prepares to shine this other part of the world, I needed to prepare grasping the beauty of starting fresh and anew. "It is going to be challenging," I said to myself as my parents drive me home to my new house. "a tragically, bittersweet, and worthwhile journey".

December 2011

December 25, 2011

As days gone by and as I marvel at big malls with incredible Christmas decorations, I did not know that as I was searching the beauty of United States, I was also unconsciously looking for myself. As the carefree smiles, the sarcasm - the me- in the Philippines was lost, I was left with my dwindling confidence. Without a doubt, for a year, I felt isolated and abandoned. My friends in the Philippines were the ones who shaped my smiles when I was facing difficulties back at home. They were the ones who always make me feel superwoman against all the setbacks. I felt invincible yet here in United States, I felt frail and weak. I have no one to talk to besides my parents who I did not want to worry more. I knew that I needed to find friends to help me appreciate my existence here in this new environment. After few months, I met friends who helped me move forward. As I gain confidence little by little with their encouragements and friendliness, I felt that I finally belong. The relationships that I have built- may it be as strong as covalent bonds or as frail as hydrogen bonds (ah, I'm actually studying for my bio today- just having a break ;) ) contributes to the person that I am today. Yes, Philippines helped built my dreams, values, and 50% of myself yet United States indeed motivated me to be the best that I can be. US never failed to show me that I can be someone even if I am just seventeen.

 I am proud of the rough transition that I have been through. It is a part of me and my journey in life. It helped create a sturdier and stronger me. A resilient and more determined ChiChi who will never give up. The Chichi who will definitely fight her way through even if everyone says she cannot accomplish it.

And in two days time... I am ready to visit Philippines with my head held high. I may have left Philippines with despair and uncertainty but I will be back with my burning desire to present the person that was shaped by two worlds.

Is this a good personal statement? Haha! Might send it to one of the colleges. (Joke)