Who You Are Matters

Where do I come from? 

    

    I was born and raised on the island of Guam, small U.S. territory located in the Oceania region. To give you some perspective, Guam spans around 212 square miles, while Los Angeles is 502 square miles. The island is known for its lush greenery, beautiful beaches, and colorful sunsets.

    Although the island is beautiful, Guam's true beauty is also reflected in its people. The community is one of the most supportive, friendly, and inclusive people you'll find. We emphasize a culture of respect and giving back. Despite a diverse population of Asians and Pacific Islanders, everyone treats each other like family. It’s common to be invited to fiestas, 

share each other's cuisine, and look out for our neighbors. 

 

 

Where am I going? 

   

    I'm pursuing my higher education so that one day, I can return and help Guam's local economy. Growing up on the island, I've seen the beauty but also the challenges that the people face, specifically in areas of economic development and sustainability. Currently, Guam's economy relies on tourism and the military, but I believe there is so much potential to diversify and strengthen our local businesses through innovation and entrepreneurship. The people of Guam have been supportive of my career, and I believe that I should give back by using the knowledge and experiences I've gained to help the island thrive. 

How do I plan to get there?

    I'm not entirely sure on my future plans or the path to achieve my goals. However, for now, I believe it's best to try new experiences, learn as much as I can, and prepare myself for the day I return home. It might take a few years or even ten years, but when the time comes, I'll be prepared with the knowledge, skills, and experiences to make an impact on Guam.

How am I like my parents? 

    I would say I'm more similar to my mom than my dad. She has a strong personality - she's headstrong and hardworking. Sometimes, it can be a good or bad thing. It can make me very determined and passionate for certain topics, but it can also lead to long arguments when I'm feeling stubborn. In contrast, my dad is a lighthearted, always trying to be goofy and make others laugh. I'd say I take after him when I'm not being so stubborn.

How am I unlike my parents?

    Both of my parents are really into golf. They love the sport, but they also like the mental challenges that comes with playing. I've tried golfing before, but the mental games actually stress me out. I'm not sure what that says about me, but I guess they're better at handling pressure than me. 

 

Have you developed your own expectations for yourself, or if you were honest, would you say you're operating under someone else's expectations?

    I'd like to think that I've developed my own personal goals and expectations, but I also feel that it's both a combination of my aspirations and others' expectations. As I work towards achieving my goals, it's difficult not to consider those that have supported me throughout my journey. While I pursue my passions, I also want to make those who are important to me proud and find ways to give back to them as well.

Who, other than a relative, serves as a model for you of someone who lives life with great passion and personal responsibility?

    My first boss - Tina Muña Barnes, the Speaker of the 35th Guam Legislature - is a one of my personal role models. I'm usually very skeptical of politicians, however, I've never met someone as compassionate as her. I've worked under her for three years, and she truly embodies putting people first. She's like your friendly neighborhood grandma who wants to make your life better. She's faced many personal challenges, such as losing loved ones, experiencing life-changing accidents, and dealing with public scrutiny, but she continues to serve her people and connects with them on a personal level.

What wild animal do you feel a special connection with, and why?

   

    I've been really interested in capybaras. They are the largest rodents but some of the nicest animals on earth. They're super chill and just vibes with the animal kingdom.

 

Describe a significant childhood encounter with a tree or plant.

   

    In my childhood home, my neighbor grew mulberry trees, and my friend and I would pick the mulberries and eat them. At the time, we didn’t know what the fruit was, so we were worried we might have poisoned ourselves. After we realized it wasn't poisonous, we kept coming back and eating the mulberries, and my neighbor never knew. 

 

 

Horoscope

• Sun: Taurus
• Moon: Scorpio
  
• Rising: Taurus
  

Thanks for reading my blog! I hope you enjoyed it.