Day 11 - Turning Point in Your Life The turning point was my first year as a SPEAR counselor. I drew the Philippine flag to represent culture, community, and identity. I drew the pear to represent SPEAR. It looks like it’s waving, but it’s supposed to have it’s fist in the air. I chose that year as a turning point in my life for multiple reasons. There were health concerns and deaths in my family throughout the year, and that was something that I wasn’t used to. It had a more direct impact on my cousins, but I got emotional because of how easily memories come back to me. I’m still thankful, because that year did bring my family closer again, and it reminded me of how strong my mom is for others even when she doesn’t have to be. Another part of the year that stands out to me is the break-up. It was emotionally, mentally, and physically draining. As painful as it was at the time, I’m thankful for the lessons that I learned and the strength that I gained from that experience. In hindsight, I think I really needed that. Honestly, I was going to choose that as a turning point, but I thought it was more accurate to acknowledge that whole year as a turning point. I don’t know if I would’ve made it through the year without the help of being a part of SPEAR. I can’t say enough how much of an impact being a SPEAR counselor had on me that year. Being on that staff gave me a better understanding of support. I learned that asking for support is just as important as giving support. I gained a better understanding of community and what role I wanted to have in that community. I found my voice and realized that although that was a significant accomplishment, I needed to get my voice heard. I learned a lot about myself through my students, and I don’t know if they know how much of an impact they had on me. Words can never express how thankful I am for the experience that I had and the timing of that experience. Because it definitely helped me find the inner strength and self-confidence that was lacking in my life before.

Day 11 - Turning Point in Your Life

The turning point was my first year as a SPEAR counselor.

I drew the Philippine flag to represent culture, community, and identity. I drew the pear to represent SPEAR. It looks like it’s waving, but it’s supposed to have it’s fist in the air.

I chose that year as a turning point in my life for multiple reasons.

There were health concerns and deaths in my family throughout the year, and that was something that I wasn’t used to. It had a more direct impact on my cousins, but I got emotional because of how easily memories come back to me. I’m still thankful, because that year did bring my family closer again, and it reminded me of how strong my mom is for others even when she doesn’t have to be.

Another part of the year that stands out to me is the break-up. It was emotionally, mentally, and physically draining. As painful as it was at the time, I’m thankful for the lessons that I learned and the strength that I gained from that experience. In hindsight, I think I really needed that. Honestly, I was going to choose that as a turning point, but I thought it was more accurate to acknowledge that whole year as a turning point.

I don’t know if I would’ve made it through the year without the help of being a part of SPEAR.

I can’t say enough how much of an impact being a SPEAR counselor had on me that year. Being on that staff gave me a better understanding of support. I learned that asking for support is just as important as giving support. I gained a better understanding of community and what role I wanted to have in that community. I found my voice and realized that although that was a significant accomplishment, I needed to get my voice heard. I learned a lot about myself through my students, and I don’t know if they know how much of an impact they had on me.

Words can never express how thankful I am for the experience that I had and the timing of that experience. Because it definitely helped me find the inner strength and self-confidence that was lacking in my life before.