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.