It's the Start of Something New (Again)
Another attempt at blogging after two (three?) years.
Yes, you read that right. The last time I wrote a blog post was right after high school graduation. I try not to look back too hard on that time because why in their right mind would someone think a just-legal person’s thoughts would be interesting? (Unless you were like, Greta Thunberg or something.) But now, it finally feels like the right time. A lie that I’ve told myself year-after-year that doesn’t feel like a lie anymore.
So, what gives?
Everything Gives.
Growing up, I had an active mind. I was a studious fool, proficient in the arts, and felt this pressure to make something out of my life. I knew in the back of my mind that success was the goal. How to be successful? Not important. As long as I achieved in life, that’s what mattered.
That’s not to say I had a rough upbringing that drove me to this mindset. Two loving parents and a very involved extended family made for a strong community. I knew that I had people I could rely on. Just that those people had expectations for what my life should look like.
The expectations of the people in my life weren’t necessarily high. More like... specific. My family dreamed of sending me back to the Philippines and to study engineering. With that engineering degree I’d give them a great life at a condo in the wealthy part of Manila. My teachers thought I’d be my generation’s next big thing in music (my band director) or writing (my AP Lit teacher). Shoutout to them, though. Mr. Hamilton and Mrs. Mangarella, y’all were real ones.
Fast forward to now, and I feel that my mind has chilled down. There’s a focus that came with accepting that my life is so different from how I thought it would be. I’m grateful that this journey has come to a brief stop, but now it’s about to push forward again.
What’s New This Time?
I’m a rising junior at Ithaca College about to study abroad in London for the Fall 2025 semester. A far departure from engineering in the Philippines. This semester is about restoration, art appreciation, and exploring who I am outside the confines of a liberal arts college campus
There’s a common saying that college is a bubble. It’s an ironic statement considering that college is meant to expand your horizons and challenge your notions and all the other marketing that schools push on you. Study abroad is one of those weird exceptions where you’re put into the same environment, but with completely different people.
That’s what I’m trying to seek out. And you can come along.
What’s in it For You?
You’ve made it this far, so you’ve got a good idea of what this place is. “Deep” thoughts, “sarcastic” writing, and good photography. But if you are more curious what’s in it for you, imagine this:
Bi-weekly thoughts from my mess of a brain on tech, K-Pop, and life in England. Think of it like a long text from your friend when they have REALLY good tea.
Photographic series from my travels while in London.
Starting small is the best way to stay sustainable, and that’s how I think life is meant is to be enjoyed. So come for the attention-grabbing headlines, stay for the kid inside the man behind the keyboard who didn’t think their life meant anything.