We are on day 5 of the official “Safe at Home” mandate. I’ve been working from home. It’s true when they say that when you lose something, that’s when you learn to appreciate it. I’ve always been a homebody, but I always love the option of being able to go out and hang out with friends. Now that’s taken away, I’m realizing the importance of human connection. I didn’t realize how much I needed it or at least didn’t realize how it plays a vital role in surviving.
Nataly
The Many Pillars of Life
When we talk about pillars, we think about the columns that hold up a building. They support the building from falling. The word “pillar” has multiple meanings. Other than supporting a building, a pillar can be people or thing provides a reliable support for someone or something. Well, first and for most, my strongest and greatest pillar in my life is the God Almighty. I believe he sends people into our lives to be our pillars.
The timing couldn’t have been more perfect when these women have been sent into my life. I’m the only girl and the youngest of 2 brothers. I never had a little sister. I’m thankful for these women, my cousins. Hazel (left) and I met for the first time back in December when I visited the Philippines. We bonded instantly. We were able to engage in deep conversations about life, the best conversations to have!
Ivy (right) and I met when I was in high school and she was a little girl. We reconnected in December and boy how it’s interesting when you see yourself in another person. She’s like my “junior”… I like to call her my inner spirit animal, hahaha! She’s everything I keep hidden away. This is why I admire her, she’s brave and fierce!
So the three of us have something in common. We are the youngest of our siblings! I think that’s probably why we latched together so quickly and so well. These girls have been an amazing support in my life. They are accepting and nonjudgemental. They gave me a better appreciation for family. It’s important to have the support of your family. Especially through the struggles that we face. They are the 2 pillars that I lean on constantly to stay up and afloat as I navigate this special expedition called life.
Trying to Figure Things Out vs. Accepting Things How They Are
I’m off to the Philippines again! I’m actually traveling alone this time. It’s a little scary, but exciting at the same time.
This is a vacation, but also a soul searching journey. Life has been an internal, uphill battle. The question at this moment is– am I trying to figure things out? Or am I trying to learn how to accept things how they are?
When The Journey Leads to a Place You Would Never Imagine
The word “journey” can mean so many things. It’s commonly known as an act of traveling from one place to another. Well… for the purpose of this post, the word journey means, “a long and often difficult process of personal change and development.” I won’t go into full detail in this post, but if you know what I’m talking about, then you are one who is near and dear to my heart.
For so many years, I avoided traveling to the Philippines because I just didn’t want to go. I came up with excuses like how it’s not easy for a teacher to just go on vacation in the middle of the school year or I would pick dates where no one else was available to travel. Then life happened. Apparently, I wasn’t just avoiding to go to the Philippines. I was avoiding things much greater, much deeper.
For any human being, it’s never easy dealing with a mental illness. I’ve worked so hard over the past 21 years of my life avoiding wounds that scarred me as a child. I learned to function, to maintain a “normal” life. Eventually, my avoidance affected my relationships with my family and friends. I made choices that rendered painful consequences.
When I tried to pull myself together to be a responsible adult, it just felt like one endless, mind-numbing process. I was angry and frustrated. Then a friend told me that it was time to start dealing with this madness (figuratively speaking). Fast forward, I spent 9 months in CBT therapy, depression classes, and going through 3 different anti-depressants. To this day, it was the BEST decision I made in my life. I have a better appreciation for my family and friends, and life! If there is a word I would sum up 2018 it would be THANKFUL. We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps (Proverbs 16:9). I know that we have desires in life. Unfortunately, there are moments where our plans don’t work out. We end up disappointed and we ask God “why? why me? why this?” Through this year, all of “THIS” was a lesson… we may have our plans, but when it doesn’t happen, it’s only because God’s plan is better.
So… as I was nearing my exit from therapy, my dad said, “We’re going to the Philippines in December.” I said, “Cool! Let’s go!”
You Never Know Where The Journey Takes You Pt. II
Mission San José, San Antonio, TX
Two years later, I find myself sitting at an airport in San Antonio, Texas. I’m here because I attended the 2017 ISTE Conference (International Society for Technology in Education). After finishing my Master’s at Pepperdine, I had this new found energy to embark on a new journey. To help teachers make their way into transitioning from a regular traditional classroom to 21st-century technology integrated learning environment for students. BUT, nothing happened. My action research was on how teachers learn how to use technology and how to integrate technology into the classroom. I thought I was ready to help teachers do this, but I found myself falling short in implementing this in my own classroom.
After attending the ISTE, I am once more rejuvenated. The first step in this rejuvenation is revamping this website. So baby steps! It’s finally time to board the plan… Stay tuned!
You Never Know Where The Journey Takes You
This photo was taken in Temecula Valley, California back in June 2011. I took this picture right before I got on a huge hot air balloon to take a ride over all the vineyards in Temecula. I never thought that would be something I would put on my bucket list. It was quite the experience!
Reality is, I never thought I would be pursuing a Master’s Degree in Learning Technologies. Five years ago, I did not have one single thought about working towards a career in educational technology. I always saw myself pursuing careers that involved developing school curriculum and new text books for schools to have.
With all that being said, you can never know where the journey takes you. I have learned that it is always good to embrace change, to always have that growth mindset, and be able to move with the times. Otherwise, you will be the unlucky few who end up obsolete and useless to the future generations of learners.
