ellcyy

[ellcyy]

“Being an adult is like folding a fitted sheet—no one really knows how.”

Being an adult is one of those things that can both scare us and excite us at the same time. Transitioning into adulthood may prepare us for what’s to come, but once we’re there, we realize there are still so many questions. It’s like becoming a child again, learning and growing all over. There are things we think we already know, only to have life surprise us in ways we didn’t expect.

In this blog, we interviewed Clarille, a woman in her 40s, to gain insight into her experiences during her middle adulthood stage. She shares her journey of navigating the complexities of being an adult, the lessons she’s learned, and how she continues to grow and evolve. Her perspective offers valuable wisdom for those of us still trying to figure it all out.

We started the interview with a simple question. “What is something you wish you had done differently in your earlier years?”

"I got pregnant too early, which, in a way, shaped the course of my life. I think that's why there are still so many things I want to do and achieve, and so many places I still dream of visiting. Sometimes, I feel like there's this gap between what I’ve already accomplished and the things I wish I had the time or the chance to do. I’m not complaining, though. It’s just that there are moments when I find myself wondering, ‘What would have happened if I did this? What if I had chosen a different path back then, taken a different turn or made another decision?’ It’s a natural curiosity, I suppose, about how things might have been different if I’d made different choices.

But at the same time, I’m not unhappy with where I am. In fact, I’m really happy. I’ve built a life I’m proud of. I have a stable job that I enjoy, my children are growing up beautifully, and I’ve finally achieved something I’ve always dreamed of—a home of my own. It’s a place that feels like a true sanctuary, and it’s hard to believe that it’s all mine. I can go grocery shopping without constantly checking the price tag, which, believe me, feels like a small victory in itself, haha. It’s these little comforts that make me realize how far I’ve come.

Still, even with all the blessings in my life, there are times when those ‘what ifs’ creep in. But I remind myself that if I had taken a different path, I might not have met my three incredible kids—my greatest blessings. They’ve shaped me in ways I never imagined, and the love I feel for them makes all the other uncertainties fade into the background. I can’t regret the choices that brought me to them, because they are everything to me.

In the end, I know that if I could go back and change things, I wouldn’t. Because even though there are dreams I still want to pursue, and places I still want to go, I wouldn’t trade my life for anything. I’m so grateful for everything I have right now, and I know that this life, with all its twists and turns, has led me exactly where I’m meant to be.” Clarille stated. Just like Clarille, Many people in their middle adulthood phase often find themselves caught up in "what ifs." They may experience a stage of denial, questioning their past choices and wondering what could have been. It’s a time when they reflect on the paths they’ve taken and the roads they didn’t, often feeling a mix of regret and curiosity about how different decisions might have shaped their lives.

We then asked her how does she balance work with her personal life and self-care at this point in her career? “I do struggle with that. I’m definitely a workaholic, and sometimes it feels like there’s always something to do, whether it’s at work or at home. But I’ve learned over time that I can’t let my work consume me completely. I’ve had to find ways to balance my professional life with my personal one so I don’t burn out and so that my mental health stays as good as it should be. It’s not easy, and there are days when I feel overwhelmed, but I know I can’t ignore the importance of taking care of myself.

The best thing I’ve found to balance it all out is creating time for activities that help me unwind. When I don’t have any work to do, I try to do things that help me relax and recharge. Watching movies has always been a simple joy for me—it lets me escape for a bit and enjoy a good story. Getting a massage is another favorite of mine. It’s not just about relaxing my body; it’s about clearing my mind and letting go of the stress that builds up over time. And, of course, sometimes the best remedy is simply sleep. Allowing myself to rest, even if it’s just for a few hours, helps me feel refreshed and gives me the energy to tackle whatever comes next. These little moments of relaxation are my way of ensuring that I don't lose myself in the chaos”

Clarille also shared that she experienced a significant health issue that first appeared in her mid-30s. Looking back, she explained that, in the past, she had a habit of drinking tea constantly—almost as if it were water. She didn’t think much of it at the time, and it became such a routine part of her day that it was almost second nature. However, over time, this seemingly harmless habit contributed to a health problem that she continues to manage today. The issue, which took her by surprise, was a wake-up call that made her realize the importance of making conscious choices for her overall well-being.

As a result, she had no choice but to make significant changes to her lifestyle. She began by minimizing her intake of sweets, recognizing the impact that sugar and processed foods were having on her body. She also made a point to incorporate more vegetables into her daily diet, understanding that a balanced, nutritious intake was crucial for maintaining her health. Beyond food, Clarille knew that physical activity was key to her overall wellness, so she committed to walking for at least 30 minutes to an hour every day.

“This is how I regulate myself and keep my body healthy,” she said, emphasizing the importance of consistency and self-care. For her, maintaining a healthy routine is not just about managing her health problems, but about creating a sustainable, balanced lifestyle that will keep her feeling good for years to come.

We’d like to thank Clarille for taking the time to speak with us despite her busy schedule. We pray that God blesses you with all the good things in life.

[ellcyy]

As we grow older, we may reflect a lot on our past. The anger that we vent out, mistakes that can't change, dreams that did not have, and many more. This kind of thing that older people do to think about the past and somehow have a way of consolation to change what they have now in the present. Death, on the other hand, is the most difficult to accept; thus, this can't be changed, just like how older people now do to their faces and bodies. 

Meet Nanay Felicia Martinez; she is 80 years old and still has energetic vibes. In the first time I saw her, she was a happy-go-lucky person. She asks me often, like what I like to eat and if I am comfortable. So as I began my agenda, I started to ask her about the secret of a healthy lifestyle, and according to her, Nanay Felecia and friends do some outdoor exercise, go to church, and do some shopping with her friends. To my surprise, she still doesn't have a carer, yet a lot of 80-year-olds do have a carer. But as I observe, her kids are still with her in their house, so she doesn't mind, and plus the benefit of drinking milk and health medications that are prescribed by doctors has been a big help to her to be a strong, independent woman because she shares that her husband died last year. 

On the journey of getting old, Nanay Felecia concludes that it is really up to the person if she lets herself feel the insecurities. Because to her, as she always sees herself every day in the mirror, she would start the day with a smile on the face, greet her husband, picture a good morning, and then pray after. In terms of physical error, Nanay Felicia doesn't feel any back pain. The reason for that is they have a helper who does the household chores and also her daughter, so all she does is sleep, wake up, shop, eat, and sit.

Days go by, and there are a lot of challenges to face in our everyday lives. According to her, the most difficult is her husband's death. Because it is a shocking death, and nobody expects it to be that soon. As she manages to cope with everything her friends are with her through the journey of mourning, she is also very thankful for everything to her family and friends.

In our lives we can't deny that we also stop to be a dreamer since not all human beings are brave, but I must say that I am amazed at Nanay Felicia because, despite the challenges, she still manages to give everything to her 5 children, even though, according to her, they are not rich. 

In the end of this interview, I thanked Nanay Felecia and gave her some flowers since before the day of the interview, I asked her what I could give her, and she wanted a flower, so I gave it to her. 

~To be as brave and have a big heart just like Nanay Felecia is one of my dreams to have, so that I will have a bright and fulfilling future in the end.~

[ellcyy]

In early adulthood, we experience many new things compared to what we went through in adolescence. This stage is more challenging, and it's when we truly face the real world and its harsh realities. The crucial stage of early adulthood is marked by significant changes in personal identity, requiring personal responsibilities and self-discovery to define one's place in the world.

On November 9th, 2024, we held an interview with Cherry Buena, a 24-year-old Pharmacy student, via Google Meet, where she shared her life and experiences as she navigates the challenges of adulthood.

I personally know Cherry, she is one of the most self-reliant, independent, and fun individuals to be around. She doesn't let other people's negative thoughts impact her; instead, she prioritizes people who are important to her over those who come and go, which is why I admire her approach to life. Cherry became the person she is today for reasons, based on what I know about her. She is the strong, self-assured woman she is today because of the difficulties and hardships she has faced in the past.

In this interview, Cherry responded to several questions to help us know more about her. The first question for her wast that how her values or goals have changed since her late teens and early twenties, she shared her thoughts. "Yes. Teen Cherry’s values and goals seemed almost idealistic, but now that she’s experienced how to navigate life, she has switched to a more realistic perspective." She also experienced some challenges or breakthroughs in her life like when she shared that she failed three subjects in one semester and felt devastated upon hearing the news. However, she wasn't shocked by the result and believed she deserved it, as she knew she hadn't put in her best effort or studied hard enough. At that time, she felt really down and sad, but she pushed those feelings aside and invalidated them. She told herself that she didn't deserve to be sad because she thought failing was something she deserved at that time. But she didn't allow herself to stay in that place. She bounced back, put in her best effort, and discovered that she was capable of maintaining a disciplined academic routine. One of the things that made her happy was when her professor told her she was one of the most improved students, which brought her to tears. Cherry also mentioned that becoming a pharmacist never crossed her mind before. She used to think that she wanted to pursue a course in the medical field, but pharmacy was never part of her options. She had heard that studying pharmacy was difficult, so it never occurred to her to choose it. However, as time went on, she realized how interesting the subject was and began to enjoy studying it. She learned a lot on her journey and looked forward to discovering new things each day. She gradually developed an interest in her course, and it eventually became something she was very passionate about. Now she's happy and grateful that she chose Pharma. "Most of the common questions at my internship site are things that I consider basic knowledge and I can also answer the common questions from my family and friends." She added. She was also asked if how she would deal with the realization that she may not have everything figured out yet in life, especially considering societal pressures; "If I really think about it, it’s kind of scary, because what if I don’t become successful in my chosen field and in life? What if I become stagnant? There are so many thoughts running through my mind, which is why I try not to think about it too much, because it would just drive me crazy. What I do now is give my best, do what I can, and focus on the present so that my future self will be grateful that I didn’t waste the time and opportunities I have right now." When asked if how was her social relationships evolved since adolescence she stated that, During her adolescence, she was probably the biggest people pleaser you’d ever meet. She did everything to make others like her (in a non-romantic way) and to make them feel comfortable around her, which she now finds very annoying. She realized that she was always at a disadvantage in those situations. Today, she’s happy that she’s overcome that phase and has learned to set boundaries. She now knows how to prioritize herself over others. She no longer cares about people who don't contribute to her life, and for her, this is one of the best things she has developed over the years.

Lastly, when asked about her goals and how she sees herself in the next five years, she shared that she aims to grow both personally and professionally. She hopes to be more established in her career, continue learning, and find fulfillment in her work and personal life. She also envisions herself being more confident in her decisions and maintaining a healthy balance between her ambitions and well-being. "In the future, I hope to become the woman I truly want to be — one who is fearless, does whatever she wants, is true to her word and stands by it, and has a lot of money hahaha! Professionally, it would be great to climb the career ladder, but for now, I just want to be someone with good work ethics who isn’t toxic to my workplace and colleagues." Cherry added.

Through this blog, I connected more with Cherry in many ways. I feel like my feelings and experiences are validated now because I've met someone whose life events are somewhat similar to mine. That's when I realized that we all go through this stage. It's when we have to solve our own problems, the challenges in life get upgraded, and we face the unknown and the fear of what the future holds. Entering adulthood means there are things we need to learn, even if it's in the harshest way, just so we can grow.

And I hope that, just like how Cherry faces the world and her struggles, we can be inspired, learn valuable lessons, and realize that we're just starting. We can handle and overcome everything just because, kaya natin.

To Cherry, may you achieve all your dreams and live the life you truly deserve. May God bless you and your family always. 🫶🏻

[ellcyy]

Disclaimer: This blog is solely for educational purposes only and a requirement for our subject, development psychology. Rest assured that the photos, information and anything mentioned in this blog has been consented by the interviewee.

Being in adolescence in the era of generation Z is far different from before. A lot of young ones now know how to maneuver a car and can determine any type of sports car. They are very fond when it comes to physical fitness and makeup. For them, they give time and effort when it comes to their physical thing. Adolescents can now be independent without being scared because for them it is freedom, and when I said freedom, this means that they are freely to parties, socialize, and make out with their BF or GF. 

Friday afternoon, on the date of November 8, 2024, I interviewed an adolescent named Clarence who lived near his school, which is in Mapua Malayan. He is 12 years old and currently in high school. 

As I mentioned before, physical is like the main character for them, so for Clarence, when he was so young, he ate chicken breast due to its high protein. As time goes by, his family and other people notice that his body got bigger (with muscles) and that his face has changed also because before his weight was really far from now, according to him, he is skinny with a bony face. Whenever someone would praise him, he would just smile proudly because it made him proud. For boys, they are active when it comes to sports, especially their favorite, which is basketball. But the sport of Von when he was in high school was softball from elementary to high school, and he is very passionate about it. 

He got interested in coding, which is very related to his computer subject. After that, he began to love doing it as a hobby, so he planned that starting of his senior high school journey he wants to take the strand that is related to his desired course in the college. 

Clarence lived far from his school, so for him, being independent is very difficult because there are so many adjustments in everything.

Having big dreams is not new, especially to the adolescents that are very vocal about their wants in life. Most of them, when they enter the age of 18, work in any kind of opportunity that is given to them, even some that can be provided by their parents. Clarence said that he is enjoying his life by playing video games with his peers and socializing to the left and right. He concludes that what he does most of the time is what makes him enjoy it. 

After conducting the interview, I thank Clarence for the cooperation and letting me conduct an interview with him.

To Clarence, I pray that you will accomplish and overcome the fears and challenges you may encounter. May God bless you and your family!

[ellcyy]

The beginning of everything

By: Ellyza Marie A. Garcia

Disclaimer: This blog is solely for educational purposes only and a requirement for our subject, development psychology. Rest assured that the photos, information and anything mentioned in this blog has been consented by the interviewee.

Childhood is very fond of curiosity in terms of changes to their body, etc. Different fears and challenges that they may experience from different people that surround them. But in today's generation, it is a bit far from our world. So this blog explores the mind of this young one by listening to his stories.

Last Saturday, I interviewed a child who is 9 years old and currently in grade 4 in elementary. His name is Clark Andaya, who lives in Quirino. Changing physical appearance is the common change that may happen in our lives, and so according to Clark, as the years went by, he noticed that even though his body was still the same, his face looked more like his mother, and he points out that his height has changed because, at his age, he is one of the tallest in their class. More on to this, he gets sick most of the time, and he added that even though he has that kind of health, he still plays like a normal kid whenever he is in school because in their house he gets scolded when he is playing, like running or being actively energetic. In the case of Clark, at the age of 9 years old, it is very chaotic when it comes to everything, and at this age also, the child always gives headaches to their parents. In terms of motor skills, he said that riding a bike is his most hobby, and I can also say that he indeed likes riding a bike because when I entered their house, I saw a bike in their kitchen area, and he added that his mom made him do stretching before riding a bike. Taking care of the health of the child is the top priority of the mother, so I ask Clark about his mother's ways of taking care of his health, and he answers that his mom lets her eat whatever is available at their house, like junk food or sugary foods. Clark said that he doesn't eat much on what is on the table, and his mom or grandmother would push him to eat more because, according to him, he is more into unhealthy food like Jollibee or McDonald's. He just did exercise when it was needed. Being stronger is the top priority that we need to establish in our body from child to adult. For Clark, being a faster kid is what he has now because he showers fast and gets ready before class compared to before because his mom or dad would scold him if he took a long time getting ready, and also because his parents give him 10 minutes to take a shower.

Lots of children, if asked what was the hardest subject, would always answer mathematics, and even the adults would answer the same. So I asked Clark how he handles difficult subjects. Mathematics is where he focused a lot because he has 2 subjects that his parents are concerned about, and that is mathematics and Filipino, but the math is where he focused the most. After school in the house, his mom or dad would check his notebooks one by one if there were assignments or activities he needed to do because sometimes he forgot to tell his parents if he had assignments due to the playing. To him, he is getting better at solving difficult problems because of his parents, who are very strict when it comes to his academics.

Friendships is where the child can feel the vibes in everything due to fun games, and just like the older ones, they somehow maintained the people around them that feel secured and comfortable. For him, finding a best friend is very thought-out due to the childish actions and behaviors in school, so he has no best friends, but he has a circle of friends that he can get along with when it comes to playing, and in the last part of my interview, I asked him about his emotional regulation and what he does if he is upset, and he answered that he just sits quietly and imagines many things or plays with his spider, which according to him is his pet.

Interviewing Clark has given me a small story of his childhood experiences. It reminds me of when I was still a child and was fond of playing, but because of the technology that they have now, the childhood that I experienced is not the same as before. Listening to his childhood reminds me of the importance of giving a child freedom in interest in their life. 

After conducting the interview, I thank Clark and his mommy for the cooperation and letting me conduct an interview with him. I handed him goods as a token for return.

To Clark, I pray that you will accomplish and overcome the fears and challenges you may encounter. May God bless you and your family!

 

[ellcyy]

Disclaimer: This blog is solely for educational purposes only and a requirement for our subject, development psychology. Rest assured that the photos, information and anything mentioned in this blog has been consented by the interviewee.

Undoubtedly, being a parent is fulfilling yet challenging. It takes a lot of energy, patience, and focus. Although meeting all of their needs—developmental, emotional, and physical—can be difficult, but watching them grow and learn new things day by day, is much more valuable than anything in this world.

On October 11th, we conducted an interview with Mr. and Mrs. Lim, along with their little dino, Theo. During our 4-hour visit, we made observations and also asked a few questions to his parents to learn more about Theo.

At first, Theo was hesitant to come and greet us. Even though he already knew his ate Cyrene, it was their first time meeting again after weeks of not seeing each other. We just smiled at him while his parents welcomed us, and they told us to sit and wait for him to approach us first, as he just needed some time to get familiar with our faces and feel comfortable. After a while, Theo started interacting with us by bringing out some of his toys. He really enjoyed showing us his trucks, and to our surprise, at his age, he already knew the different types of trucks. When we asked him which one was his favorite, he answered, "the monster truck." He even showed us his collection of monster trucks, referring to them as the green monster truck, the blue monster truck, and many others. I became curious about how Theo learned the different types of trucks, so we asked his mama about it. She shared that whenever they travel, Theo would always ask, "What type of truck is that?" until he memorized them. Additionally, Theo loves watching truck videos on YouTube. I then asked if Theo was allowed to use gadgets and have screen time, and they said yes, they let him play with his iPad for about 1 to 3 hours a day. However, they limit his screen time because they noticed that when Theo has long hours of screen time, he tends to have tantrums and gets annoyed easily once it's turned off.

I also observed that Theo enjoys playing with dirt, especially when we went outside and played with his dump truck. I asked them how Theo developed this interest, and their response was, "Mahilig kasi mag-adventure, ate." Theo also loves animals. They have birds, chickens, and dogs at home, and they believe Theo's love for animals comes from their encouragement for him to engage more with animals and nature, rather than spending too much time on his iPad.

In terms of vocabulary, Theo speaks clearly and his words are easy to understand. When I asked his parents if he already knew his ABCs and 123s, Theo happily interrupted and started counting from 1 to 10. “He can only do numbers, for now, but he is learning ABC's. He can sing the alphabet song too, but the letters are not in order yet.” his mama added. For them, if Theo goes to school, they would prefer him to attend a traditional school rather than a Montessori, because they feel that most of what is taught in Montessori schools, they can teach him at home.

Lastly, as first-time parents, they still have a lot to learn, which is why they enjoy reading books about parenting. Mr. Lim particularly likes reading psychological books on how to take care of a child. He mentioned that each stage of a child's development requires a different approach to parenting. Theo is the way he is because of how he was raised by his parents. They may not be perfect, but you can still see that they are doing their best for Theo.

At the end of this blog, I just want to thank the Lim family and also Theo for agreeing to be part of this interview. Despite how busy their schedules are, they still gave us their time for this interview.

[ellcyy]

Disclaimer: This blog is solely for educational purposes only and a requirement for our subject, development psychology. Rest assured that the photos, information and anything mentioned in this blog has been consented by the interviewee.

As a parent, a lot of questions will cross your mind, particularly if it's your first child. Now that you have completed your pregnancy, this is when the real fight will begin.

The birth of a child will profoundly alter your life. Despite the chaos of daily life and mental state, having a kid is a blessing, but raising one needs a village, courage, and lots of patience.

On September 7th, we interviewed Ate Ellien, now a mother of three, who recently had her youngest child, Cai, and was asked a few questions about her experiences on having her third child.

Ate talks bout her difficulties in the first month after giving birth to Cai. She said that having a baby and two toddlers causes her a lot of stress, and looking after three children challenges her patience. She says that at the time, she was experiencing post-partum depression, and that at one point in her life, shouting was the only way she could express her emotions. Because of how severe her depression was, she sometimes asked herself inappropriate things while staring at her children. Now that even if Cai is her third child, there are still difficulties that she can't escape after giving birth.

When I asked her how it was different with her two kids, she said there wasn't much of a change, but for Ate Ellien, her youngest was the most difficult to care for because Cai was the neediest child prior to the first two.

As for baby Cai, Cai is a happy baby who is almost two years old, however he is taller than his age-appropriate height. In his age, He can now say things like "mommy san papa," "goodnight," and "tawag papa." He is also very talkative and can utter words that we cannot understand (well, not for his mama). We played with baby Cai for almost three hours while we were there. He enjoys copying his brother's actions and annoying them. We also questioned Ate if she allowed Cai any screentime, to which she said that she did occasionally. Ate also mentioned that Cai enjoys watching Ms. Rachel, and as a result, he enjoys mimicking what Ms. Rachel is saying and with this it shows that, his environment and surrounding had an impact on his growth.

Additionally, Ate shares that she uses a baby walker because she thinks it would strengthen Cai's legs. The only thing that she refuses to follow was th elders' idea that a baby must be massaged on both legs in the morning to prevent "bakang" In her opinion, this belief is not ethical.

This interview demonstrates how a child's growth is largely influenced by his or her environment. We think that baby Cai is more advance for his age because he has two older brothers with whom he can play and interact on a daily basis. Cai is currently developing as a result of their acts, which have a significant impact on him.

As we end this blog, we would like to thank baby Cai and Ate Eilleen for taking part in this activity as we come to an end with this blog. Ate, we hope that you know what a wonderful mother you are. Three kids, especially young males, are difficult to raise. Always remember that you have kuya to support you and to let you know that you are loved every day. As for baby Cai, We ask God to guide baby Cai into a great life and to grow up to be a decent young man. We hope that he can enjoy his childhood and be surrounded by people who loves him.

[ellcyy]

Discalimer: This blog is solely for educational purposes only and a requirement for our subject, development psychology. Rest assured that the photos, information and anything mentioned in this blog has been consented by the interviewee.

To be able to be called a good mother/best mom, there are lots of efforts that need to be put on, like patience, knowledge, and understanding. There are sacrifices that need to happen to be able to take care of the baby. But despite these challenges, there is still a sunshine that brings out the happiness and excitement of a mother and the father. 

Last Saturday, together with my partner, we interviewed a mother via Google Meet (due to her work schedules, we decided to have it on Google Meet). Her name is Hannah; she is 34 years old and 7 months pregnant. She shared her experience and adjustment to her pregnancy. 

Hannah is 7 months pregnant with her 2nd child and currently working in the bank. According to her, in the first pregnancy she is having anxiety due to the changes in her physical appearance. Because of the hormonal change, it leads her physical appearance to have changes, which she would always say whenever she sees herself in the mirror, "Hala pumapangit ako lumalaki yung ilong ko." Despite her having those experiences, there is the husband who is always giving her assurance. 

She said that in the first pregnancy it is all new and tonnes of what if. "What if I will not be a good mother?" "What if we can't give the good life to our baby?" While on the second baby, she already has knowledge of dos and don'ts. To what to overthink and not to think and how to fight the anxiety and all. All that she experienced during her journey with her first baby can apply to the second baby since she knows how to take care of the baby already.

For her, the most stressful period during her pregnancy was the 1st trimester. All the experiences are in the first trimester because, at this stage, it is critical that there be many possibilities that may happen both in the mother and baby. The morning sickness is her rival, and she doesn't eat much since she doesn't have appetite. That is why the first semester for her is the hardest time. 

All of us are very aware of how hard it is to be pregnant, but if the mother has a good relationship with the father, it would be a good journey for both the mother and the baby. In the last part of our interview with Hannah, we ask her how she copes with everything. She said the most important thing that can help to be a "healthy pregnant mommy" is having a good environment and being around supportive people. Since it is a pregnancy journey, Hannah said that she needs to be strong and brave enough so that her baby is happy. She mentioned that whenever she feels that depression is coming into her, all she does is move around often so that she won't experience it.

After conducting the interview, we thanked and bid goodbye to Hannah for letting us have the opportunity to interview her. 

To ma'am Hannah, we pray for your safe delivery and for the safety of the both of you. May God give you unending support and a good environment for your family.