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Born
I was born in Honolulu, HI via cesarean section. The nurses instructed my mother to push too early which made it difficult for my mom to have me via natural birth. (Section 3.1) -
Breastfeeding
My mother breastfed me until I was six months old. My mother does not recall me getting sick often as a child. (Section 3.5) -
Began weaning
At six months my mother started to wean me and move toward formula feeding because my grandparents would watch me most days while she was at work. Weaning is said to be easier the earlier that it is started. (Section 5.2) -
Grandparents begin caring for me on week days
Because my mom had to return to work and my dad also had to work, I was left in the care of my grandpa during the day starting from when I was three months old. When my grandma retired, she also helped with watching me. (Section 5.7) -
First word
I finally said my first word after babbling for a couple of months. My first word was 'turtle'. I said it shortly after my first birthday and repeated it over and over again. (Section 5.2) -
First steps
I took my first steps right before my first birthday party. There are pictures of me walking on my own at my birthday party. Most infants take their first steps around this time as well. (Section 4.3) -
Toilet trained
My grandparents had a large role in potty training me since I spent weekdays at their house. I had to be pushed just a little to potty train because I needed to be potty trained before I could go to preschool. (Section 5.2) -
Begin taking movement classes
I began taking movement classes at the YMCA every weekend. Here we ran around in circles and did basic exercises, such as bending over and jumping on trampolines. By this age, most children are able to run on their own and jump. (Section 5.1) -
Begin preschool
I attended Queen Emma Preschool for one year. I could have began preschool at the age of three, but my grandparents did not want to let me go yet! I spent the year learning basic math, music, and language arts, but I spent much of my day playing with my two friends on the playground. (Section 6.5) -
Start taking dance classes
My parents signed me up for dance classes during kindergarten. My gross motor development improved a lot since toddlerhood and I was able to follow my teacher's movements and dance. I was also able to do a spin on one foot due to my increased coordination. (Section 6.3) -
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Elementary school (K-6th grade)
I attended St. Andrew's Priory, an all-girls school, from kindergarten to sixth grade. During this time, I made a friend the person who is still my best friend to this day. Today, we still value the trust we have in each other and respect much like what a kindergartener would value in a friendship. (Section 7.5) -
Sister is born
My sister was also born in Honolulu, HI. Our age gap is much larger than the traditional age gap of about two to four years. We're eight years apart and get along very well. (Section 6.9) -
Start playing golf
I began playing golf at the age of 9. Because of my improved gross and fine motor skills I was able to golf with coordination and even started participating in a junior golf program shortly after. Golf takes both gross and fine motor skill because of the minute movements that it requires. (Section 7.1) -
Start playing the clarinet
During the fifth grade, I was able to choose and elective and I chose to take band and play the clarinet. My fine motor skills were developed enough at this time to be able to place my fingers correctly on keys with the rhythm of the song. (Section 7.1) -
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Middle school (7th-8th grade)
I moved from St. Andrew's Priory to `Iolani School after 6th grade. This transition was especially difficult because this is the time of having the idea of an imaginary audience and I thought being the new student meant getting a lot of scrutiny from other students. Fortunately, a friend from my other school made the transition with me and we relied on each other for comfort during this time. (Section 8.4) -
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High school (9th-12th grade)
I attended 'Iolani School for high school. During this time, I discovered my career interest and instead of working, volunteered at a physical therapy clinic during my free time. (Section 8.4) -
Begin playing collegiate golf
I participated in NCAA Division III golf at the University of Puget Sound. During this time I performed the best that I have in my golf career. I was able to hit the ball farther and straighter and had much better feel with my short game which requires both gross and fine motor coordination. (Section 9.2) -
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College
I graduated from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington in four years with a BS in Exercise Science and a minor in Mathematics. Finishing college in four years is faster than the average American who usually takes six years to earn their bachelor's degree. During this time, I underwent a great deal personal growth due to being alone in a foreign environment. I became more independent and explored interests that I did not know that I had prior. (Section 9.5)