My Mom’s Story
An Interview
By Eian Balanquit
My mom, who faced many challenges in her early life as the daughter of Filipino immigrants, is a symbol of strength. Throughout tough times, including struggles with past trauma and family difficulties, she always prioritized family. She always showed dedication. She has instilled in me the importance of our Filipino values, especially a strong sense of family. I interviewed her to learn more about what shaped her into the strong mother she is now and how her experiences have influenced her approach to raising me.
What's something in the world today that makes you happy or proud?
My children. I'm proud of raising my children despite the challenges I’ve faced.
If you could get an award for anything you’ve done, what would it be for?
If I could get an award for anything in the world, it would be a mothership award.
Is there anything that worries you?
Letting my children out in the world worries me. I may not always be there. I may not always be there to protect them, but eventually, you must let your kids spread their wings.
Who did you look up to when you were growing up? How did they help you become who you are today?
My mother. It was through her that I learned my role in our family life – my role to stand up, to lead, and to be strong.
What did your parents teach you that you still use today?
Sacrifice in family. Resilience. You will fall down. Just get back up. The world isn't over. You gotta keep going.
Was there a person who gave you advice that helped you make an important decision?
My mother, on her deathbed. I had watched her lose the ability to live. It pushed me not just to live and breathe, but to really, really appreciate my life and not take anything for granted.
When you were a child, was there a specific experience that impacted you?
I was molested as a child. When I grew up, I knew that I would do everything to protect my future children. I pushed to be a stay-at-home mother so that I could be the first person my children see in the morning.
Who helped you believe in your dreams and goals when you were younger?
Myself. I needed help all the time. But even if I needed help, I pursued my goals on my own.
How did you keep going?
With a lot of tears and a lot of support from friends. I gave up a few times, and I stumbled a few times. But I got back up many times more.
How do you want to learn?
I want to use life to learn. I want to use all my experiences - good and bad - to be better.
What do you want me to learn from you?
Be strong. Everything might be stressful, but life goes on. Life will go on.
What do you want me to remember?
First, travel is a wonderful tool for learning about yourself and about the world. Second, you and your sister were and always will be at the forefront of my life. Everything I've done is for the good of my children.
What advice would you give to young people today?
Spend less time on social media. There is a lot of bad stuff on there. There is a lot of great stuff, too, but sometimes as young children or young adults, you aren't able to decide what is good and what is bad.
Is there anything you wish you had known when you were younger?
I wish that I had stayed a child for longer. Adulting is not glamorous all the time. Enjoy your youth.
If you had known this earlier, how would have that changed things for you?
I wouldn't have taken life so seriously. I wouldn't have rushed to do the things I thought were so cool. There will always be choices you question and things you could have done differently – but everything will work out in the end.
If you could go back to one moment in your life, what would it be?
I would go back to whenever I'm with my children; when I'm watching them play sports and they are killing it on the field and on the court.
Why are these moments special to you?
I believe that some of the greatest lessons in life are learned through sports. When you are on the field and on the court with your teammates, you learn that hard work pays off. You learn to work hard together. You learn that no man is an island.
