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My name is Mariel G. Tapdasan, but many call me by my nickname Maye. I was born out of wedlock on the 23rd of December 2002 at Sta. Cruz, Balamaban Cebu. My grandparents raised me since my mother must go to work. I never knew and met my father in my 19 years of existence. Unfortunately, my grandmother died in 2004 from a heart attack. My grandfather followed her in 2008 because of liver complications. It is distressing losing important people who showered my love until their last breath. Despite this, I am proud of their efforts to raise a girl who fears God and respects others.

My early childhood was not the same as a typical child because I received harsh words from my relatives and other people instead of playing with other children. It is so hard growing up without the presence of my parents. The burden of enduring everything has fallen on me since my grandparents passed away. Although my auntie took me in, she mistreated me. At five, instead of playing, she let me clean the house, wash clothes, and split woods. I matured at a very young age. Despite my desire to end my life at the age of 10, I am unable to do so. Multiple attempts, but nothing succeeded. My childhood was a wound that not everyone noticed.

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I used to have a cheerful and happy family. We get together to celebrate Christmas, New Year's, Birthdays, Fiesta, and Halloween. But when my grandfather died, everything changed. I'm not sure why because we don't speak to each other. I vividly recall my auntie, where I used to stay, having a feud with my mother on December 31, 2018. It's so disappointing to end the year with a major fight. Our household was a shambles. But when the pandemic began, our family gradually reconnected. I was overjoyed to learn that they had re-established contact. We will always go back to where we belong and that despite our differences, we will always have each other's back. This family may easily be shaken by problems, but will never leave someone behind. I cherish this flawed family so much.

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I've met people from various backgrounds, read books with different stories and lessons, and been through situations that have shaped me into the person I am today. Being a young adult scares me and makes me anxious at times because it simply means that I must be independent, earn money, invest, and manage my money wisely.  And right now, I only have three accomplishments: myself, my limited knowledge of life, and my experience at my summer job. I don't have much to offer yet, but I'm confident that with those investments, I'll be able to get through life. Even so, I've been getting punches since I was a child; I just need to toughen up a little more. And I believe this is what distinguishes me from others.  I was taught how to deal with life's harsh realities when I was five years old. I'm not sure if it's right, but that's how He wrote my story.

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As a person, I aspired to complete my studies, just like any other dreamer out there.  And I was fortunate enough to complete my first stepping stone. Balamban Central Elementary School is where I completed my elementary education (BCES). Throughout my elementary years, I was not the type of student who drew teachers' attention.  I was just an average student who didn't care about grades. But when I was in fifth grade, I received the attention of my Science teacher.  She was the first teacher to compliment me on my participation. Since then, I've begun to study and read books, and I've also become one of our class's honor students. After finishing elementary school, I enrolled in one of Balamaban's well-known public schools, Buanoy National High School (BNHS).  It was a wonderful school, and despite the changes, I was the second honor student in our class and on campus through the BEC program.
In addition, I developed a relationship with all of my classmates, and it was the first time someone confessed to me. It was meaningful because I felt valued. But I didn't know what to do at the time because I was only 13 and determined to focus on my studies, so we remained friends. I transferred to Punta Princesa National High School after the school year concluded. Another environment, but it never discourages me from striving, and I am delighted that my efforts have paid off. I was selected as an honor student. My academic achievements lasted until I graduated from Senior High School at the College of Technological Sciences in Cebu (CTS-C). I am relieved that, despite the pandemic, the deaths of two family members in 2020, and the breakdowns, I am able to move forward. Regardless of what happens in 2020, I never imagined that I would still be willing to live life. And, looking back, I never envisioned that I would be an academic achiever after all of the trauma and emotional turmoil. Now that I am in my second year of BSEd major in Social Studies at Cebu Normal University University, the fire that was lit by my science teacher is still burning. I am really thankful that we crossed paths.

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There was a lot o f things that transpired in my 19 years on Earth, and yet, I missed so many things. I haven't taken a proper vacation or rested since I was a teenager. And a recent trip to the beach and other tourist destinations in Balamban reminded me of how much I had overlooked to see the splendor of nature and the world. And how I forgot having fun while I was young. I could perhaps enjoy the present moment while I can because I may not be able to live my life as it should in the coming years.
As I get older, I'll be saddled with more accountabilities.And in 10 years, I'll be 29 years old and teaching.  I may still be unmarried at around that point because I'm thinking about becoming a nun. I hope I'm going to live a happy and prosperous life, having fun, and keeping up with my friends.
I hope I can continue to create stories, compose music, and play mobile games with the mates I have right now. The road to happiness and prosperity will be daunting, perhaps one thing is certain: I am backed by an Omnipotent being. And I intend to use my prior encounters as a shield in the future. Even though we have no idea what the future holds, I hope that I will live my life to the fullest extent possible, no matter what circumstances arise.