Understanding One's Self: Inspirational Tree

I am a product of many influences and environments. I am a product of my family – and those whom I’ve considered family. My inspirational tree is an inclusive picture of who I am today. The people I specifically mentioned here have significantly influenced my life that their life stories and lessons share to me have shaped my heart and mind. Their wisdom and support are unparalleled.

My parents’ Christian faith ushered me to understand and accept the saving grace of Jesus Christ. They were instrumental to my Christianity. My faith is the very foundation of my values system and principles. Consequently, I try to live my life to honor God and to bless others. I am grateful that I have discovered my purpose and calling in the Lord.

From 1991 to 1996, my Sunday school teacher Betty Sue instilled in my heart many stories in the Bible and the words of Christ. In 2003, I met a remarkable pastor, Noel. He became my spiritual mentor and he imparted to me his life and love for Christ. One of the most unforgettable things Noel gave me was a letter he wrote in 2004. He died of cancer the following year. His letter remains in my office drawer today. He is survived by his wife Sandy who later became a friend and a spiritual counselor. In 2008, Sandy introduced me to a Korean couple, Pastor Ahn and his wife Samonym, who also became me my spiritual mentors and bible teachers.

One important character in my life is Marita. Our paths crossed when I was eighteen years old. She is fourteen years older than I. Marita continues to challenge my faith, my dreams, and especially my heart. Next to my parents, her faith and passion helped me discover my gifts and find my own path to a deeper faith. Having Marita as my guiding light made me realize that the challenge a mentor-friend offers is the challenge to continue to choose God.

Nelly is not only my boss but also an inspiration. Her unwavering, dedicated service to our country is remarkable. For the seven years that I’ve worked with her, I have seen her passion for justice–probably because she is a lawyer–and hope for transformation. To work with one of the most powerful women in the country today is a privilege indeed.

Although none of my family members has master’s degree in business, I chosen to enroll in graduate school because Nelly, as well as Marita and Sandy, did encourage me to pursue higher education.

I also consider my professors as my heroes. My grade school teacher Ma’am Desiree introduced me to the world of girl scouting when I was a twinkler. Community service through girl scouting became bedrock of my passion for volunteerism. In 1998, I was awarded a Presidential Medal for community service at Malacañang. I am still volunteering for non-profit organizations today.

My accounting professor Ms. Stephanie taught me the virtues of humility and diligence. Though we never really spent time together, she demonstrated to me a life of an honorable teacher. She's worth emulating.

At graduate school, I met Ms. Marissa. She was my professor in Business Writing and Business Communication. As her student, I learned to study English with passion. Her zeal for writing inspired me to discover my gift of communication.

Lastly, I was never a voracious reader, but I developed the love of reading about ten years ago. I consider the book authors mentioned in my tree as mentors. For years, I’ve collected their books and shared their fervor to make a transforming difference in the lives of others. In one way or the other, they have given me something noteworthy.

Confession: It's only now that I get to appreciate my Ethics class. I'm sure my professors have a better explanation why we have to do the Trees for our term paper. But from what I've picked up, our paper will help us understand ourselves more, our background, our sphere of influences, and our way of thinking. I guess, it's a way to gauge if we are ethical or not, and if we have a balanced life.