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This short poem defines who I am;

Hello My name is Alethea 👋

In realms of blue, where dreams take flight,

I dwell, in quiet delight.

With books in hand, and stories to write,

In greenest scenes, I find my might.

With Rick Riordan, my favorite guide,

Through adventures vast, I love to stride.

In music's embrace, I find my peace,

A Sagittarian soul, introverted, and at ease.

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Black and Beige Photo New Post Instagram Post_20240426_133841_0000

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Lost in Stories, Melodies, and Dreams

I really enjoy reading and writing. I could spend hours lost in a book—I even finished almost all the novels in my old school's library! I used to write stories too, on platforms like Wattpad and Webnovel, but I had to stop because I got busy. I love reading all kinds of things, like novels, comics, and web stories. I'm particularly drawn to stories about transmigration and reincarnation. Besides reading and writing, I also love watching anime and Korean dramas, although lately, I haven't had as much time for them because of my studies. One of my favorite things to do is listen to music from my favorite band, SB19, a Filipino pop group. I really admire them and hope they achieve all their goals.

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I went to Buanoy Elementary School and had a carefree time there. When I got to high school at St. Joseph School of Mactan (SJSM), I became more serious about my studies. At SJSM, I joined a leadership organization called KalFi, which helps young women develop leadership skills. Unfortunately, I had to stop being active in KalFi when the pandemic started. After high school, I took a year off from studying and worked as a call center agent. Then, I decided to go to college. Now, I'm a first-year student at CTU Tuburan, studying Bachelor of Arts and Sciences majoring on English language.

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From Calm Balamban to Bustling Lapu-Lapu

I spent my early years in two different places that shaped who I am today. First, I lived in Balamban, specifically in Buanoy, where I went to elementary school. It was a calm and peaceful place where I had a lot of fun as a kid.

Then, my family moved to Lapu-Lapu City on Mactan Island. This city was busy and full of life compared to the quietness of Balamban. It was like going from a small town to a big city. In Lapu-Lapu, I met people from different backgrounds and learned a lot about the world around me.

Living in both places taught me different things. In Balamban, I learned to appreciate nature and enjoy simple pleasures. In Lapu-Lapu, I learned to be more independent and open-minded, exploring new things and meeting new people. Both experiences helped me become the person I am today.

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A wave of grief 🌊

Honestly, I've faced many challenges in life, but one of the hardest was during the pandemic. It was a nightmare. My family was filled with fear as the death toll kept rising. Then, after a year, everything started to fall apart.

First, my grandfather was diagnosed with lung cancer. It was a shock knowing how serious the illness was. He was moved to our province in Balamban for treatment. As time passed by, I saw the life slowly drain from my beloved Lolo. It was hard to admit, but it was true.

I was there with him constantly, feeding him and making sure he had enough oxygen because he would always take it off, as it bothered him. I prayed constantly that God would spare him and give him more time with us. But day by day, he looked more tired.

That's when I understood that we had to let him go. I grasped the concept intellectually, but my heart rebelled. Why did it have to be my Lolo? The strict but kind man who always gave me apples when we visited, the one who rarely smiled but whose love and care for us shone through.

When I lost him that fateful day, I couldn't help but cry out my grief. It was then that I truly understood what people go through when they lose someone dear. You can only truly understand a feeling by experiencing it yourself. I understood grief then, a heavy weight on my heart. I allowed myself to cry, to scream, to feel everything.

Just a few days after my Lolo's death, I received news that my father had been shot in the head and shoulder because of a land disagreement. It felt like I had been shot myself. I was still reeling from my Lolo's death, and this news made my knees buckle. I cried again and again.

Thankfully, my father survived, but he was forever changed. I believe a part of him died when he lost the ability to use his arm. He became childlike in his behavior, a contrast to the man he once was.

While still at the hospital, I also received news of my aunt's passing.

I may be sharing a lot, but it feels good to finally get this off my chest. I've lost loved ones – my Lolo and aunt through death, and my father, in a way.

These experiences have made me realize that life is fleeting. Treasure your loved ones, hold them close, and create new memories with them.

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Gray Minimalist Polaroid Film Frame Photo Lifestyle Aesthetic Instagram Story_20240426_195559_0000

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My Favorite band. My Bias is the one wearing a brown jacket.

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SB19 performs "ILAW" LIVE on Wish 107.5 Bus

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What Makes Me Proud?

One of my proudest achievements is being an honor student since high school. Back when I was in elementary school, I didn't take studying seriously. I regretted not putting in the effort back then. When I decided to get serious about my studies, everything changed. I started working really hard and putting effort into everything I did. I'm proud of myself because I never gave up, and I'm still giving my best. Every time I get a high grade, I tell myself, "Great job, Thea, you did well." And if I don't do as well, I encourage myself by saying, "Thea, don't be sad, you can do even better next time," and then I work even harder. I know I've put a lot of effort into becoming an academic achiever, and I'm proud of what I've accomplished.

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Cracked but Not Broken

Experiencing these hardships I honestly thought that the world is determined to break me. But you know what? It didn't. Maybe it cracked me, but it didn't break me. Sharing this, letting it all out, feels like a weight lifting. These experiences, they carved a new me. A me who cherishes every moment, who holds loved ones close, and who understands the preciousness of life. They made me strong, Alethea, in ways I never thought possible. They showed me the depths of my own love, and for that, I am grateful.

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The Daydreamer

I have a secret that only people close to me know: I'm a day dreamer. This can be funny because I have what others call a "resting b*tch face." This often leads to misunderstandings, with people mistakenly thinking I'm in a bad mood or even angry. The truth is, I'm completely lost in my own world at these times. I can get so caught up in daydreams about anything – food, a captivating novel, or even my to-do list – that I unintentionally stare at people. While they might think I'm mad, when I was just day dreaming.

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Life's Lessons: Acceptance, Strength, and Appreciation

After all I've been through, I never realized I might have a philosophy of life. Looking back, it wasn't something I actively chose. Life just threw some punches, some harder than others. Those challenges forced a strength out of me I never knew I had. I faced loss, and it sucked, but it also made me realize I can't control everything. What I can control is how I react.

Maybe that's what this journey has become for me, finding meaning in the midst of hardship. Because honestly, experiencing those tough times made me appreciate the good moments so much more. It's like my own personal compass – facing what comes next with a strong heart, but also cherishing what I have right now. I might not have all the answers yet, but come what may, I'll keep striving to live a good life, find the good in every situation, and face my challenges head-on. That, I guess, is my philosophy – a blend of acceptance, strength, and a newfound appreciation for life, all forged in the fires of experience.

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MARKING MY MARK

My ultimate goal is to make my family proud of me, and in turn, to feel proud of myself. Through hard work and unwavering faith, I know I can achieve great things. My mom instilled in me from a young age that plans are only as good as the faith that fuels them.

While I don't yet have a specific vision for what "great things" means for me, I'm actively building a solid foundation for a fulfilling future, one with no room for regrets. The future remains uncertain, but with God's guidance, I aspire to become a professor one day. Ultimately, I crave a life filled with happiness alongside both my current family and the one I hope to build in the future.

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Looking back on everything I've been through, life itself feels like the biggest influence. The challenges I've faced, the strength I never knew I had, the way I somehow kept going even when things felt impossible – those experiences definitely shaped who I am today.

Beyond that, maybe there were people who were there for me during the rough times, their constant support a guiding light. Or perhaps it's the inner strength I discovered within myself, a well of resilience that never ceases to surprise me.

The important thing is to think about who and what has mattered most along the way. The people who pushed me to grow, the ones who were always there no matter what, or even those who simply showed me qualities I admire – these are the ones who likely influenced and inspired me the most.