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The day I was born.: First 2 Years-Biosocial, Cognitive and Psychosocial Development
I was born in Lipa City which is in the Philippines. I'm the oldest of four children. I loved my siblings. We got along very well and played well together.
My parents raised us a catholic. Religion was important to my family. -
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Being with Maria: Early Childhood-Cognitive and Psychosocial
I remembered holding on to my mother's pant leg and trying to comprehend what was happening. We were at the Manila Intl. airport and she's leaving for California. My father was very upset. The rest was a blurr. Within a year, my father left to follow my mom. They were working to have a better life for all of us. They sent money, presents, and called often. We settled with my maternal grandmother, Maria. She did the best she could to raise us. -
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Mom Senen: Psychosocial Development
Senen was my mother's sister and my wonderful aunt. She and her family lived with grandma when my siblings and I moved in. I started calling her "mom" and she she never minded. She was a combination of permissive/authoritative kind of parent. I loved her and I wished she was my real mother. She treated me like I was her child. I miss her very much. She passed away in 1996. -
Communion: Early Childhood-Cognitive and Psychosocial
First communion was a special day. My grandmother told me a story about a foul mouth lady in the neighborhood. This lady went to church every Sunday, rosary on Wednesdays and cursed like a sailor on the days in between. Grandma said it was a lesson about being a good person not by what the church tells you to do but what do you do after church. I prayed a lot when I was young. -
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I Never Learned How to Swim: Early Childhood-Cognitive and Psychosocial
I had a cousin who bullied me when I was young. I can't remember when it exactly happened but I wanted to learn how to swim but none of the grown ups would help me. By the shallow end of the pool, I hung on to the edge. I tried kicking my feet and thought, "this is fun". My cousin, who was at least five years older than me, grabbed me and took me by the deep end. He left me there while my terrified and almost-drowning self fought my way back to the shallow end of the pool. -
Coming to America!: Adolescence-Biosocial and Psychosocial Development
I remembered getting off the plane and meeting my parents after so many years have gone by. They looked so different to me. My siblings and I were so excited about this new adventure in our lives. My mom couldn't get over at how much we have grown. I had just turned 14 years old a month prior. -
Peary Jr. HIgh, Gardena, California: Adolescence-Biosocial, Cognitive and Psychosocial Development
Nineth grade was kind of a faded memory. My accent was beginning to improve but I was still a little shy at school. I often feared the kids would make fun of the way I spoke english. I made a few friends that year. -
Gardena High: Adolescence-Biosocial and Psychosocial Development
Puberty was definitely here and I've decided to try being sassy. I tested the water a few times according to my parents. It was difficult for me to understand why wanting to do what other kids were doing was not allowed. I was invited to the dance and I wanted to go. I was finally becoming accepted and I hit a road block. -
Hola La Puente!: Adolescence-Psychosocial Development
Around this time, we're finally moving to my parents' first house in America. My family and I will not miss living in a two bedroom apartment. This modest four-bedroom home was in a predominantly Latino neighborhood which we didn't mind at all. The city of La Puente had two high schools and my sister and I went to Workman High. -
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Last Two Years at Workman High: Adolescence-Cognitive and Psychosocial
I spent eleventh and twelveth grade at Workman High. I missed my friends at the other high school. Soon after, I kept myself busy. I learned how to drive and found a job at a group home for the developmentally disabled. I then decided to get my nurse's aide certification at a local vocational school. By senior year, I had a weekend job doing private care. I decided I wanted to become a nurse. -
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Mt. San Antonio College: Emerging Adulthood-Biosocial, Cognitive and Psychosocial Development
Starting college was exciting and hard at the same time. I learned to save money to pay for school. I also worked during the weekends. I found classes to be difficult because I didn't do well in high school. I made friends who I still keep in touch with. Within two semesters, I was enrolled in Respiratory Therapy program. Unfortunately, I didn't pass one class and by then, I started to financially struggle. I dropped out of the program. -
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My Life in Printing: Emerging Adulthood-Biosocial and Cognitive
I started a job as a secretary for a talented graphic designer in Los Angeles. I learned how to balance accounts as well as logistics. My boss was very kind and gave me the opportunity to try and sell graphic design and printing. It was kind of fun. I met interesting people in the field. I worked hard to make my first commission. It was rewarding to see point-of-purchase signs we printed in department stores. -
Riding the Waves: Emerging Adulthood-Biosocial and Cognitive
When I was 20 years old, a friend took me to Malibu and put me on my first surfboard ride. Well, I mostly fell off of it and injested a lot of salt water. I also tried boogie boarding which I was better at. -
Belden: Adulthood-Biosocial, Cognitive and Psychosocial Development
While trying to live on my own in California, I rented a room from a guy named Rex. He and I became good friends for a couple of months. We used to call each other by our last names "Belden"; "Dizon". It seemed like a platonic thing to do when you live together. By the end of May, he asked me out and invited me to visit Michigan. We went to the Ann Arbor Art Fair in July. He also introduced me to his parents and grandparents. -
Sand Strom in Carlsbad: Adulthood-Biosocial Development
We wanted to get married at our backyard but there was a sand storm. I quickly talked to my parents and relocated our wedding to Diamond Bar, where my parents live. The clubhouse in their subdivision was available and the party was on! We chose a non-denominational wedding because neither one of us went to church. Our families didn't object although I think they secretly wished we stayed catholic. -
Myla Ann: Adulthood-Psychosocial Development
My first baby! We used to call her "little Buddha". She was born via cessarean delivery in Dearborn, Michigan. It was one of the happiest day of my life. An eight-and-a-quarter-pound-bouncing-baby girl! She's almost 21 years old and will soon transfer to Wayne State University to study social work. We're very proud of her. -
Elise Marie: Adulthood-Psychosocial Development
My wonderful second daughter was born. She's my miracle baby. Elise was born at 24 weeks and weighed 680 grams. The second happiest day of my life was taking her home after 78 days at Oakwood Hospital's neonatal unit. My little peanut is now a freshman at EMU and doing very well. -
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Living in Asia: Adulthood-Biosocial and Psychosocial Development
My family and I lived in South Korea for my husband's job. My daughters went to preschool there. My husband and I learned some Korean words and their customs. While in Asia, we went to the Philippines for a vacation. I shared with my children and husband the place where I came from. They met many of my relatives including my grandmother who raised me. -
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Culinary Arts: Adulthood-Cognitive and Psychosocial
I decided to try the Baking and Pastry program at Schoolcraft College. It was a great experience to learn from two master chefs. I volunteered myself in food events and eventually worked as a baker assistant at a Japanese bakery. On the side, I sold fruit pies to a local restaurant. -
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Harry: Adulthood-Psychosocial Development. Caregiving
I started caring for my husband's grandfather, Harry. He had dementia and other ailments. For his safety, I became his caregiver. Harry refused to live with us so I drove to his place six times a week, twelve hours each day. I understood that with dementia, it is easier to let him stay in his home to lessen the confusion. During this time, we taught our daughters good family values with regards to caring for our elders. -
Caregiving: Adulthood-Cognitive and Psychosocial
After grandpa died, I decided to reinstate my Certified Nurse Assistant certificate. Within completion, I found a part time job with an agency. I realized that I do enjoy helping the elderly. I also went to another school to become a phlebotomist and found a contingent job. -
Daisy: Adulthood-Cognitive and Psychosocial Development:Family Bonds
My sweet sister, Daisy, is going to have a double mastectomy. She's 40 years old. I flew to Los Angeles and took care of her for two weeks. This was a shock to my family because no one in our family had any history of breast cancer. I wished I didn't have to go back to Michigan. It was a sad day. -
College: Adulthood-Cognitive and Psychosocial
I began taking prerequite classes for a nursing degree. I started with one to two per semester. My daughters were almost done with high school and I felt it was important that I'm with them as much as possible. -
Happy Birthday: Adulhood-Psychosocial Development
Today, I am celebrating my 44th birthday. A lot has happened in a couple of years. Our daughters graduated high school and are both enrolled in collge. We sold our home in Novi, MI and moved to South Lyon, MI recently. I'm getting closer to completing the required classes for the nursing program. It is all very exciting! -
2022: Adulthood-Cognitive and Psychosocial Development
I am now 50 years old and hopefully have my nursing degree. One of my plans is to open an adult senior home. This project will include finding a four bedroom home and licensing. This home will provide in-home care to Alzheimer residence who no longer live independently. -
2027: Adulthood-Psychosocial Development
My two daughters are now married. They come over often with the kids for Sunday supper. It is nice to see that they are both happy and successful women. My husband and I are very proud. -
Retirement: Late Adulthood-Biosocial Development
I am 67 years old. I have wrinkles and aching joints from arthritis. Possible knee surgeries. I've had pre-arthritic knees since my early 40s. I'm playing golf more often and figuring out where to retire. My husband and I like Florida, South Carolina, and California. -
2051: Late Adulthood-Biosocial and Psychosocial Development
79 years old and enjoying being a grandma. Possible onset of vascular disease and arthritis. It ran in both sides of my family. Partly live in a warmer state during the winter. Playing golf still and beating my husband's score. -
83: Late Adulthood-Biosocial Development
My ashes will be spread between two bodies of water: anywhere in the pacific and Lake Huron. After suffering from a heart disease, I passed away naturally. My children followed my wishes that included a do-not-rescucitate order and palliative care. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Cancer Society.