A New Chapter in My Personal Life

As the youngest child, I strove to be as independent as I could and to not cause any trouble, especially considering how often my parents argued about finances and how much they overworked themselves on a daily basis. 

I got hand-me-downs and wore my shoes and jackets until they ripped. I avoided asking for things as much as possible. When I did get something that I wanted, you bet that I cherished those moments and gifts - I even felt guilty for receiving them!

At every stage in my life, I was spoiled in the fact that I could rely on the support of my family through anything and everything.

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Mellissa and I were not that close growing up because of our seven year gap. I saw her as my oldest sister who treated me out whenever she had time in her busy schedule. I knew that she was always there for me if I needed something or someone to talk to. As adults, we started living together again in Summer of 2017 when I wanted to take that first step to leave the comfort of Ma's place and to pursue my graduate program in teaching - my dream career! Of course, as my sis, she was all for it.

We have grown so much closer over the past three years of living altogether - me, Mellissa, Eric, and Mumu. I am thankful that Mellissa and I have become stronger sisters and friends because we are now at similar stages in our lives, have common interests and ambitions, and even created this passion project that will keep us together. I am also thankful for everything that Eric and Mumu has done to look out for me! 

This past month has been pretty bittersweet. Sooner than expected, I am now living with my boyfriend of seven years! Change is hard because I have been waiting for this opportunity but I have also enjoyed my time being with my sister. In a way, though, this marks me finally growing up and "leaving the nest." It is funny because Mellissa was more sad than my mom was about me taking this leap! Mellissa has been like my sister, friend, and my second mom all at the same time.

The benefit of living apart is that we will be more purposeful with the time that we have together now. I look forward to our new memories and to see where life takes all of us! Some moments that I will miss and remember at Mellissa's are... 

- Being able to start and end our days altogether. I could feel tired and unmotivated to get up for work but I knew that we were all in it together. 
​- Random daily moments, like all of us working on the backyard, Eric playing DDR in the garage, Mumu's personality showing through his actions, and Mellissa and I's weird dancing whenever we felt excited about something.
- Getting through tough times together, such as finishing our graduate programs, the Snowpocalypse, and the start of the pandemic. It was nice to be there for each other to talk about our worries and stresses at any time. 
- The freedom to do whatever we wanted, whenever we wanted! We could plan and do things at the last moment - watching BTS live on TV, playing tennis, working out, dancing, shopping, eating out, and so on. 
- Mumu (of course). He's my bud who was always there to cheer me up. I loved cuddling with him in the mornings, holding him on my breaks between remote teaching, taking him on walks every day, and just laughing about how adorable he is.

Whenever Mellissa left for trips or even just to take a shower, he would come straight to me and lay on my bed. I really believe that he thinks that I am his second mom when Mellissa isn't around! He has gained confidence and learned how to love over the years - I am happy that I have been able to watch him grow and take care of him.

Thank you for everything,
Mellissa, Eric, and Mumu! 
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Love,
​Jasmine