Dictionary.com defines history as
A narrative of events; a story : the continuum of events occurring in succession leading from the past to the present and even into the future : all that is remembered of the past as preserved in writing, a body of knowledge.

This is where my story begins...

1980: I was born on the Island of Maui in Hawaii. Several years eariler, both of my parents came from the Philippines as immigrants wanting a better life not knowing then that they would eventually meet each other. When I was born we were living in Puunene a Sugar Plantation Town. In 1982, my family including my two older sisters and my mother's mother moved to Dream City aka Kahului.

1985: Started Kindergarten at Kahului Elementary School (Kahului School Eagles). I remember taking a month off to travel to the Philippines with my mom and dad. At that age I thought we were only going there for 2 weeks. The hanabata years... One of the most memorable things that my generation did was played with milk covers (POG, Haleakala Dairy) and marbles (dragon eggs where worth 10). It was fun playing those games during morning recess and then lunch recess.

1992: Started the seventh grade at Maui Waena Intermediate School (Maui Waena Falcons). One of the highlights of these years was being in the Band. I played the tuba and eventually made it into the Maui District Select Band which was made up of select members from other intermediate schools from around Maui County (Maui, Molokai, Lanai)

1994: The high school years begin... "Our Island School" I attended all four years of high school at Maui High School. Which was literally across the street from my house. But as always I was late for school several times, I admit it. My high school years can be marked by my involvement in many student organizations. Let's see... I was a member of the Key Club, Math League, Maui Computing Challenge, and Close Up where I traveled to Washington, D.C. in 1996. My Junior and Senior years, I was in the National Honr Society, Vice President and President of Interact Club (Rotary International), President of APEC (Asia and Pacific Economic Council), Graphics Editor for the Malu Nani our Yearbook, a Graduation Committee member (helped print diplomas and set up graduation). Also during the summer of 1997 I was in the SPEBE (Summer Program for the Enhacnement of Basic Education) Engineering and Architecture program at the University of Hawaii at Manoa which was my first taste of college life.

1998: I graduated from Maui High School with Honors. Following in my sisters' footsteps I would attend a mainland univeristy. After applying and getting into four universities - University of Colorado at Boulder, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Penn State Univeristy, and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State Univeristy; I decided to attend Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA and major in Computer Engineering. As with some college students, I got a job in August working at The Depot at Dietrick... yup... I started as a dish washer getting paid $6.50 with work study.

1999: In April my mother passed away. She taught me one of the greatest things in life. To believe in myself and in the Lord. Every step that I take the Lord is with me. And I know now that my mom is there along side of me. After leaving school for about 2.5 weeks, I return to school to finish my Freshmen year. During the summer, I returned to Maui and got an internship at the Maui High Performance Computing Center. Where I worked with a super computer and a group of my peers.

2000: It's not the end of the world. Completed my second year in college. During the summer I returned home and struggled to find a summer job. But eventually, I got an internship at the Land Use and Codes Administration of Maui County. Which I along with another intern got in the local newspaper (The Maui News) sporting our GPS units.

2001: College was not what I expected. After about 2 years pursuing my engineering degree and getting failing grades I was suspended from the University for a semester. This gave me an opportunity to slow down and look at my path so far and what direction I wanted to go. My options were to stay in a field of study that proved to me that I was not cut out to do, to continue in that field but with a different approach through Computer Science, or change my major altogether. I chose to change my major to Studio Art. Yup, it was a complete change from the scientific to the arts. I was always into art but never saw myself doing it.

2003: Finally graduated from Virginia Tech with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Studio Art. Besides finally accomplishing one of my goals in life... I have also learned a lot through the student organizations that I was involved in. Back in 2000, I was involved in Circle K International (Kiwanis Internationl) where eventually I was elected as Capital District Editor and with the YMCA at Virginia Tech where I was an After School Leader at Shawnee apartments. Both organizations gave me an opportunity to work as a student leader making a difference in our community.

2004: After about a month on Maui as a graduation gift, I returned to Blacksburg and got a job at my longtime employer Student Programs / Dietrick Dining Center as an Assistant Manager Senior which eventually got renamed Operations Manager. One of the best highlights of the job was being able to help plan and execute a Hawaiian Luau. Another great experience has been the opportunity to help open a renovated dining facility.

2005: So far... been working. Helped organized an Art Show and Appreciation Dinner at D2. Which gave me an opportunity to utilize my resources and strengths. A combination of art and food something that I want to do in the near future. Maybe one day I'll have a restaurant... one of these days... when the time is right.

2006 - Present: In Blacksburg, Virginia still working as an Operations Manager. Been utilizing my time here by learning to be a leader and a mentor. My experience at Dietrick has been rewarding over the past years. I am looking forward to taking the experience closer to home.