I came into this world on a quiet afternoon in Cauayan City, Isabela on November 12, 2004. To my parents, I was not just a child, but a promise a small spark of hope they held in their arms. My mother always says that I am a miracle baby because they never expected that I would be conceived, since she had already lost one of her ovaries. As we know, when a woman loses an ovary, it becomes more difficult for her to bear a child. But when I was born, they say I cried loudly that day, as if announcing to the world that I was ready to begin my journey. I was given the name Ashlee Claire Dela Gracia, a name my parents chose with love, symbolizing both strength and grace. My story would never be complete without telling you about the two people who gave me life and continue to guide me every step of the way my parents, Heidee and Joebert. To me, they are more than just “Mom” and “Dad” they are the heart of my journey. Together, they are like two guiding stars different in their light, but both leading me toward the same path of love, kindness, and perseverance. Their story as my parents is the sweetest one I carry with me, because it is through them that I learned what unconditional love truly means.
My childhood was like a canvas splashed with colors some bright, some faded. There were days of laughter, running barefoot on the streets with my friends and chasing after dreams as if they were butterflies. There were also days of rain, when challenges clouded my little world. But both sunshine and storm shaped me, teaching me that life was never meant to be perfect, only meaningful. During my childhood, I was curious and active. I enjoyed playing outside of our house, climbing trees, trying to balance rollerblades and a scooter. These moments helped me discover my interests and taught me the joy of independence. I also experienced sneaking out at noon when my mother tried to make me take a nap, coming home late because of friends who loved to tell stories and tease each other, only to be fetched by my mother carrying a stick and ready with a sermon. There were countless adventures tripping over rocks, playing in the mud, and catching little fish in the fishpond. Maybe the only childhood experience I missed was playing in the rain with friends, something I only imagined while watching others enjoy its carefree joy. But even without it, my childhood felt magical, like a collection of imperfect yet priceless treasures.
I was also lucky to grow up surrounded not just by my parents, but by my extended family grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins who made my childhood fuller. I remember summer vacations at my grandparents’ house, where the air smelled of freshly cooked rice and afternoons meant running around the yard with cousins until the sun dipped low. My grandparents, with their gentle wisdom, would always remind me to value education and kindness above everything. Those simple lessons stuck with me and became part of the values I carry today. Even now, whenever I face difficulties, I think back to those times when my grandfather would tell me, “Life will test you, but never forget that strength comes from love and faith.” Those words still guide me whenever I feel uncertain.
From my grade school days to my teenage life, I collected challenges and memories that guided my growth. I remember the excitement of learning new lessons, the nervousness during exams, and the happiness of achieving small victories. I was not perfect, but every mistake I made became a lesson that pushed me to become better. One memory that always stays with me was the time I joined a small quiz bee in class. I was nervous and did not win, but instead of feeling ashamed, I realized that failure was not the end it was only a chance to try harder next time. These experiences shaped my perseverance. Through my friends, I discovered the value of trust, laughter, and support. They were with me in both the easy and difficult times sharing stories during breaks, helping each other with schoolwork, and cheering me up whenever I felt discouraged. These friendships taught me that school is not just about lessons from books but also about the bonds we create and the memories we carry with us. I also had some unforgettable teachers. Some were strict, some were kind, but all of them left lessons that remain in my heart. I remember one teacher who scolded me for talking too much in class. At first, I felt embarrassed, but later I realized that she wanted me to use my voice not for noise, but for confidence and learning. That lesson gave me courage to speak up more in recitations and even lead small group activities.
These days, I met my partner way back in 2022, and since then my life has been filled with new colors and lessons. What started as a simple friendship slowly grew into something deeper a bond built on trust, understanding, and shared dreams. Having a partner has taught me the value of patience and compromise, as well as the joy of having someone who believes in me even during my lowest days. Our journey together is still young, but it has already given me countless memories to treasure and the inspiration to keep moving forward. My school life was full of experiences that helped me grow. There were moments when I hurt others with my words without realizing it. But through time, my friends and teachers made me aware of these flaws and helped me understand the importance of humility, kindness, and self control. Slowly, I learned to change those toxic traits into lessons that shaped me into a more patient, understanding, and better version of myself.
Like many teenagers, I experienced my first love. It was innocent, pure, and full of lessons. I never thought I would feel the excitement of waiting for someone’s message, the nervousness of making eye contact, and the joy of simply being noticed. My first love was not perfect, but it made me realize how deeply we can feel for another person. It started as a simple crush, someone I admired for their kindness and humor. Over time, it grew into something deeper. We exchanged stories, laughter, and even small promises of being there for each other. But as young love often goes, it did not last forever. We were still young, still discovering ourselves, and our paths slowly drifted apart. At first, I felt the ache of losing someone I cared about, but looking back, I see it as a beautiful chapter of my youth. My first love taught me vulnerability, patience, and the reality that not all relationships are meant to last but they all teach us something.
High school felt like a turning point in my life. It was where I learned more about myself, not just as a student but as a friend, a daughter, and a dreamer. I joined some school activities, small programs, and group projects that pushed me out of my comfort zone. I remember late nights finishing assignments, practicing for presentations, and helping my classmates with tasks. There were times I cried because of stress, but those tears became stepping stones toward resilience. Of course, there were funny adventures too sneaking snacks into the classroom, laughing until my stomach hurt with friends, and even embarrassing moments like slipping on the floor or forgetting my lines during a presentation. These small experiences made high school colorful. But along with the laughter came struggles. I sometimes doubted myself, especially when I compared my achievements to others. There were moments I felt I wasn’t good enough. However, I learned that my journey was my own, and comparison only stole joy. Slowly, I focused on improving myself instead of competing with others.
High school also brought bigger responsibilities. There were times when my family faced financial struggles, and I knew I had to be more understanding. I could not always have the things I wanted, but I learned to be content with what I had. That experience made me realize the value of hard work. I promised myself that one day, I would be able to give back to my parents for all their sacrifices. These struggles gave me determination and made me see education not just as a requirement, but as a path to a better future.
In 2022, I met my partner, and since then my life has been filled with new colors and lessons. What started as a simple friendship slowly grew into something deepern a bond built on trust, understanding, and shared dreams. Having a partner has taught me the value of patience and compromise, as well as the joy of having someone who believes in me even during my lowest days. Our journey together is still young, but it has already given me countless memories to treasure and the inspiration to keep moving forward.
At present, I am a student who is still discovering more about myself and my place in the world. I value education, not just as a way to secure a future career but also as a tool to develop my character and serve others. When I entered college, I felt nervous and kept asking myself, “Can I really do this? Is this truly what I want?” The fear of the unknown and the weight of expectations sometimes made me doubt my own abilities. But as the days went by, I realized that college is not just about knowing all the answers it’s about discovering yourself, learning from mistakes, and finding strength in challenges. There were struggles sleepless nights reviewing for exams, the pressure of deadlines, and the challenge of balancing personal life with academic responsibilities. There were also times I hurt others with my words without realizing it. But through time, my friends and teachers made me aware of these flaws and helped me understand the importance of humility, kindness, and self-control. Slowly, I learned to change those toxic traits into lessons that shaped me into a more patient, understanding, and better version of myself.
My dream is to become a psychiatrist someday, but my mother did not allow me to study far from home. Now that I am in the IT field, I am in my 3rd year, and I feel nervous about the tasks and challenges that lie ahead, but I also feel happiness even if it is not the course I originally wanted. However, once I graduate, my goal is to study psychology so I can continue pursuing my true dream because I want to help people and make a positive impact in their lives. I believe that understanding the human mind and emotions will allow me to guide others through their struggles, give them hope, and remind them that they are never alone in their journey.
Looking ahead, I know life will not always be easy, but I am prepared to face whatever comes my way. I want to live a life filled with purpose, kindness, and gratitude. My story is far from over, and each day I continue to write new chapters with hope, courage, and determination. Each laughter, each tear, each success, and each failure is a part of me. My journey from the miracle baby my parents never thought they would have, to the young woman now shaping her dreams is proof that life is never perfect, but it is always meaningful.
Looking back, I realize that my life has been a journey of resilience, faith, and growth. From being my parents miracle child to navigating childhood adventures, school struggles, first love, and the challenges of college, I have learned that life is not about perfection but about perseverance. Every hardship has made me stronger, every mistake has taught me humility, and every success has reminded me to stay grateful. My story is proof that no matter where we start or how many obstacles we face, we are capable of creating meaning in our lives. I carry with me the values of love, kindness, and determination, and I know these will guide me toward the future I dream of. I am still writing my story, but one thing is certain: I will continue to live with purpose, to chase my dreams with courage, and to honor the sacrifices of the people who believe in me. This is my life a journey of learning, loving, and never giving up.