During my recent trip to Sagada from January 3-5, 2025, I had the privilege of meeting an amazing psychologist who shared an insightful perspective on my life. What started as a casual encounter turned into an impromptu consultation that left a profound impact on me. She recommended that I look up the term "parentified daughter," suggesting that it might resonate deeply with my experiences. As I delved into the concept, it was like holding a mirror to my life. Growing up as the eldest child, I never truly experienced what it meant to be a teenager. My childhood was overshadowed by responsibilities that were beyond my years. My father worked abroad, and my mother was busy with her own career, leaving me to take on the role of a caretaker for my younger siblings from an early age. Even as an elementary school student, I was tasked with ensuring my siblings returned home on time, completed their chores, and avoided conflict. It was a lot for a child to handle, but I didn’t ques...
(My life's journey and more)