So my dear friend Cheriz asked me what was wrong because my blogs are so damn depressing. I'm only inspired to write when I'm sad, so I come off as a sad person. But I need to broaden my horizon of inspirations.

A few years ago, I thought that the family unity of Filipinos is amazing compared to my own family. But now that I live in Irvine, 45 minutes away from the extended family I grew up with, I happily drive to see them every weekend. When my aunt calls me to tell me she's having a BBQ, I get excited. I get excited about catching up with my cousins, playing Wii with them. I get excited about seeing my grandma and my older aunts and uncles.

My uncle, who hurt his shoulder, gave me a bed and mattress and helped me move it all the way to Irvine. My aunt continuously gives me money she doesn't have.

We don't say "I love you." We don't show affection. But we unselfishly give ourselves to our family, and that's how we express our love.

I let my identity as a student take priority over my identity as a daughter, sister, cousin, friend, lover. Remembering this acknowledgment, I postponed an hour of studying to help my mom with her English. I'm so proud of myself. An hour doesn't sound like a lot. And it isn't. But when you always put studies before anything, sacrificing an hour for someone else is a big accomplishment.