The song I decided to share for this post is “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” by Elton John. This song is one of many songs I like to think of as a personal “key song.” I consider a “key song” to be a song that leads me to a meaningful discovery. This song helped me to open myself up to self-advocating for my own path and needs during my early teenage years. As a young chronically ill person, this song made me feel affirmed in advocating for my right to an accessible education. This song helped me to solidify my choice to shut down comments that saw my future as limited or lacking opportunity. After going through a time where the future was not promised, this song was a call to cherish and nurture the future I had fought for. 

Music is deeply important to how I express myself and connect with others. The impact music has on the body and mind I find to be beautifully transformative. I am a singer and spent many years performing in musicals, vocal jazz festivals, various genre choirs, and more. I cherish songwriting independently and with others regardless of context. I play the guitar and ukulele, I used to play the violin, and I play the drums quite badly. While I am a lover of a large variety of genres, I especially adore jazz. Here are some artists I love: Stevie Wonder, Phoebe Bridgers, Nina Simone, R.E.M, Jeff Buckley, Chet Baker, Fiona Apple, Ella Fitzgerald, Richie Havens, Janis Ian, David Bowie, and more.

I am beyond excited to be starting the new semester and BSW program. I look forward to meeting all of you and continuing to nurture my friendships with those of you who I already know. 

I am a proud Filipina raised in Queens NY. I'm an ultimate Foodie and someone who loves to travel and chase sunsets. My curiosity and love for people have led me to my passion for learning more about different cultures. I just love studying their history, adversities, and the resilience that makes their country even more beautiful and special. 

Speaking of my love for diversity, my family is also very mixed. I married my best friend 10 years ago and we have 2 beautiful Fili/Ricans running around and filling the whole house with their beautiful chaos and laughter. They are my everything. 

I chose to share Let It Be by The Beatles because this was one of the songs that got me through some of my hardest days. It's not your typical upbeat happy song but it's a song that's easy to listen to and gets you to sit back and reflect. I was a caregiver to my mother who passed away from cancer and this was also her favorite chemo song. This song reminds me that whatever situation I'm in, good or bad, approach it gracefully and be intentional; everything is possible with a good mindset. Listening to this song makes a hard day feel less dreadful and kinda reel you back into feeling good and manifesting good energy. If my energy drink were to be a song, for me this is it. 

Getting into Silberman was the greatest achievement that I am really proud of. After my mom's passing in September 2021, I turned to school to grieve productively. I knew I had a gift but I did not know what profession has a concoction of all the strengths I have. It was not until I found myself in a room of Social Workers that I realized that this was the career for me. I felt safe and seen, inspired, and the conversations felt like a first language to me. 

I am extremely excited about being in this class to learn from Dr. AOW and from all of you. I know all your contributions will help me grow as a Social Worker. 

With love and positivity, Charmine.