. .. with my search.

Money was a big factor for my career search.  I wanted to be somebody that made a lot of money, but at the same time still have some interest for it.  My dad always sends me email about career statistics like who makes the most money, what career is in demand, etc.  I came across dental hygienists.  Yea, they make a lot of money, it’s in demand right now, and I could see myself in it.  Dental hygienist was my next career choice.  A big part of why I chose it was because of my history.  I’ve never really had to go to a doctor; the only time was when I got really sick when I was a youngin`.  Instead, I was always going to the dentist.  I’ve had my teeth cleaned a ton of times.  I’ve had to get cavities taken care of.  I’ve had braces.  I’ve gotten my wisdom teeth out.  I wanted to be just like the people who helped maintain my oral cavity.  Dental hygienist was a reasonable choice because it wasn’t as intense as a dentist, which I wanted. Most of all, my parents supported me which meant a lot to me.  I want to do my own thing, but I also wanted to make my parents proud.

And so my research began. ..

I was going to get my bachelors in dental hygiene at Southern Illinois University- Carbondale or University of Minnesota- Twin Cities.  I had it all set.  My dad drove 6 hours to southern Illinois to take me to the open house.

I got accepted to both schools.  I got a scholarship from U of M.  In my AP Calculus class, the graduates got to paint their own bricks; my brick was SIUC and dental hygiene themed.

BUT, after many conversations with my parents and sisters, I decided to stay home and save money.  I didn’t accept the scholarship from U of M because it wasn’t enough.  Even though I knew I wanted to pursue that career, it was just too much money for my parents, especially with two daughters in college.  I didn’t want them to stress over paying for college; instead, I wanted to help them out by staying home—best decision of my life.

Elgin Community College was my next best choice for school.  I wasn’t too excited to go, but it turned out pretty well.  (I’ll blog about how awesome ECC is later =).  I attended ecc with the intention of sticking to a dental hygiene major; I needed to get my general education done.  I still wanted to be a dental hygienist, the only thing that changed was the transfer school I wanted to go to; I didn’t want to attend SIUC anymore.  It didn’t really stress me out because I had two years to think about it; I just wanted to enjoy college.

. .. and then it comes.

The part that makes you second think your intended path.

[stay tuned for more of my story].

ingat always (take care palagi). =].

.. . for the future.

  Huh?! Making decisions for the future is so overwhelming.  There's always that constant inner debate whether the right decision is about to be made or not.  But, we just don't know until we go for it.

I have always had a passion for photography.  I enjoyed doing it.  It made me happy.  It was my expression. ..  I loved it.  I was always the one with the camera.  I was always the one with 100 pictures of just one night of hanging out with friends, sometimes even more.  I wanted and decided to become a photographer.  I loved it so much that I researched everything about it—the different types of photographer, how much money they made, what school I could attend to pursue it. .. I was going to be a photographer.. . up until senior year.

Ever since I decided to pursue what I was passionate for, I had to tell my family. I wanted to tell them my plans.  The reaction. .. well, it was expected.  There’s this stereotype for Filipino parents—that they want their kids to pursue something in the medical field, specifically to be a nurse.  When my parents found out that I wanted to be in the art field, they were not. .. too excited.  Pursuing a career in the art field is the complete opposite of what they wanted for me.  They weren’t too supportive of my decision for various reasons.  It was a very competitive field.  It was not a secure job.  Most of all, the salary is nothing compared to how much nurses make.  Without the support of my family, I still wanted to pursue it.  When senior year came along, I was finally able to take a photography class.  It was a lot of fun—taking pictures, developing the film, developing the pictures, presenting the pictures. .. The only thing I didn’t enjoy doing was being told what pictures to take—a very big thing. So big that it was my decision factor for whether or not to pursue the career. After taking the class, I realized that I wasn’t passionate enough to go through with it.  I realized what my family kept telling me. .. it was a very competitive field, you have to have a lot of passion for it, it’s hard to find a job, and they don’t make a lot of money.  I want to do art the way I want to.  I realized that if I went to an art school (I was going to attend Columbia College; I had my whole educational career set), the classes would be more intense and demanding. I couldn’t handle that.

A quarter through senior year of high school, I was undecided of my major.

[stay tuned for more of my story].

on another note. .. here are the photo requests.

pink pirate o8

western girl o9

ingat always (take care palagi). =].

. .. for a day.

I was never really into Halloween until I started college. I came to America 12 years ago, but didn't start trick or treating until I was in 4th grade? I think. The first time I went trick or treating, I got chased by a dog. .. and I was dressed as a princess. Yep, most embarrasing experience ever. Actually, the only embarrasing moment I have. The year after, I think I went to a family friends party. From what I remember, I think I had a pretty decent experience. The years after that, I didn't do much trick or treating or dressed up as anything.  I only remember dressing up as a princess, a doctor, and a gangstaaa.

I didn't go full out with my costume until freshman year of college. There was a costume party, so that was my incentive. Last year, I dressed up as a [pretty in pink] pirate. I would say that I went full out with my costume. .. I bought everything I needed to complete the outfit. Finding costumes and the accessories that go with it can be frustrating, but it was fun that year! I just wanted to look good! hahahaha. .. oh man. Anyway, it was definitely worth going full out because the party was a lot of fun.  Any kinda party with dancing is my kinda party. .. =).

This year, I had no costume party to go to so I didn't have any incentive to dress up. I wasn't about to spend $50+ for nothing. One of my friends had a little hang out and dressing up was optional. I had work that night so I wasn't planning on dressing up.  I didn't want to be super lame so I decided to come up something.  I was a western girl. .. or cowgirl? I bought a plaid shirt that night at work and just wore whatever I owned to complete the costume. Oh! What "made" me want to be a western girl was because I wanted to wear my super cute brown suede boots that I have not worn.  I've had the boots for a year, but never used it. Yea, yea I took the easy way out this year but at least I saved money. =).

Next year, I'm dressing up. .. if the funds allow. hehe.

I would like to make a personal shoutout to shane gabler. He's a pretty cool kid. I hope you guys had the opportunity to check out the House of Horrors that shane and amnesty international created last week! It was awesome. I am so proud!  Nice job shane and members!

=).

ingat always (take care palagi). =].

. ..oh so memorable.

Did everyone have a great weekend?! I know I did! It was by far the funnest and most memorable weekend of my year.  It went too fast, but I enjoyed every second of it.

I was down at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign for a Midwestern Filipino conference, Filipino-Americans Coming Together (FACT).  Last year’s theme was “I Am” and this year’s theme was to expand on that—Our People’s Power: Identity, Passion, and Purpose.  There were so many workshops offered to teach more about the history and modern life of Filipinos.  Sadly, I was only able to attend to three.

After the workshops, there was an annual Variety Show which showcased a wide-range of talents… and man! My talents are nothing compared to the people that performed.  I was in awe. My cheeks were hurting from smiling.  I had the goose bumps. I wanted to get up and dance.  I wanted to be up there, on stage.

That is our goal. To have AFC Cultural perform at FACT. .. one day.

The first night I was there, my friends and I were really hungry.  We were recommended to eat at a restaurant called the Fat Sandwich Company—a very interesting restaurant.  They had really funny names for their sandwiches (such as the Magnum and the MILF), and they were big! I did not try it that night because most of the sandwiches they had consisted of ingredients I do not consume: meat, ketchup, mayo, and more.  That night, I just watched my friends eat.  I wasn’t jealous or anything because the food they were eating wasn’t what I liked.

The last day we were at U of I, we decided to hit up the Fat Sandwich Company again before heading home.  I noticed that they had a section of BYO Sandwich, build your own!  I got really excited and started listing what I wanted—grilled chicken, provolone cheese, eggs, and fries.  It was delicious! It definitely satisfied my stomach.  When I got home, I was craving for more.

If you’re ever at U of I, don’t forget to stop by the Fat Sandwich Company for some delicious sandwiches!

=).

ingat always (take care palagi). =].

a rude awakening. ..

A couple of weekends ago [September 25th, 2009], my home country suffered from a natural disaster. Typhoon Ondoy, internationally known as Ketsana, hit the Philippines leaving many people in utter dismay. Watching the broadcast via The Filipino Channel (TFC) of the disaster made me feel like a part of me was there. Emotionally. Seeing all of the people suffering from the flood, walking the streets with water levels up to their waist, and even higher, was heartbreaking. Although I was not there, just knowing and seeing my country hurting made it hurt from thousands of miles away.

Here are some statistics… [as of 092909]
- Reported dead: 240
- Missing: 37
- Affected Filipinos: 319,881 families, 1,872,036 persons
- Damaged houses: 3,272 
                           GMA Network Inc.

I wanted and needed to help. If you did not know already, I am the Asian Filipino Club’s (AFC), president. After watching the breaking news, I instantly contacted my executive board to ask them for ideas of how we can help as a club.

That Monday, at our weekly meeting, we informed the members about the typhoon. We also discussed different ways of how we can help. Later that week, we had a bake sale and a pizza sale to raise money for the cause.

We decided to collect and donate money because we wanted to help as fast as we can. If we had chosen to donate material things, it would take some weeks until it arrives in the Philippines. Both of our sales were very successful; we raised a lot more than we expected from the two days. Not only was I happy that we were able to help, I was very proud that I did not do it alone.

Thank you all for your donations and your help!

ingat always (take care always). =].

First of all, I would like to apologize for not blogging last week!

So I wrote this blog and I spent three hours working on it.
I hit the publish button and it had an error message.
I refreshed it, went back a page...
and everything was gone.(---).

I'll rewrite it next time, so keep on a lookout! =].

ingat always (take care palagi). =].