my name is ALSLEN

CHAPTER I UNDERSTANDING WHO I AM

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My name is Alslen. My mom initially wanted to name me "Michelle Alexandria," but my dad told her she should name me "Alslen" instead. It combines my dad's name, "Alsid," and my mom's name, "Lena." I was born on July 5th, 2005, so I'll be turning 18 this year, which excites me. I love sunsets, oceans, city lights, and reading books, but I love Kdramas and Kpop the most they bring me joy and excitement, it makes me escape from reality, and I love the feeling of being a fangirl. I also love swimming; my stepdad taught me to swim when I was 6 or 7 years old. I remember he would always throw me in the pool to swim on my own, and I thought it was fun. I was timid and afraid of trying new things when I was a kid, but my mom pushed me to attend singing, ballet, modeling, and acting classes. I even studied at Kumon and kept switching schools. I didn’t like any of it at first, but she would always tell me things like, “Naniniwala akong kaya mo yan! Ikaw pa?” and “Lagi ko naming sinasabi sayo diba na pag lumipat ka, laging may mas magandang mangyayari sayo, mas dumami yung kaibigan mo at mas mag-ggrow ka.” So, later on, I get to love those things little by little. I joined singing and dancing competitions, modeled on runways, and joined beauty pageants.

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I am the Grade 12 HUMSS Class President and an officer in extracurricular clubs such as Vasileia (Co-captain) and The Bedaneers (Grade 12 Representative). I am also an academic scholar at San Beda University, being the top 1 in my class from Grade 7 to Grade 9 and becoming the valedictorian in Grade 10, then achieving high honors this year. I am very grateful to my mom for pushing me to do those things because I wouldn't be who I am today without her. As I look back on my journey so far, I realize that my experiences, both good and bad, have molded me into the person I am today. In understanding who I am, I realize that I am a person of diverse interests and passions, with a strong sense of identity and purpose. I am someone who appreciates the beauty in the world around me, values the importance of kindness and success, and strives to achieve greatness in all that I do. My experiences have shaped me into a complex and dynamic individual, full of contradictions and surprises. But through it all, I am learning to embrace every aspect of myself, using my strengths to overcome my weaknesses and working towards a better version of myself every day.

CHAPTER II THE ASPECTS OF MY DEVELOPMENT

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As a young woman, I have come to understand that the journey of development is one that requires both self-reflection and external guidance. The aspects of my development can be divided into different categories, such as physiological, cognitive, psychosocial, and moral each with its unique challenges and opportunities. Physiological I remember the day I first got my period like it was yesterday. I was just twelve years old, getting ready for school like any other day, when I felt a wetness in my underwear. Panic set in as I realized what it might be. I called my mom asking what is happening to me. She answered that I’ve started my period and it's perfectly normal, and it happens to every girl. I was shocked. How could something so strange and unexpected be normal? But as my mother explained everything to me, I began to calm down. She told me about how my body was changing, and how this was a sign that I was growing up. As the days and months went on, I started to get used to this new aspect of my life. But it wasn't always easy. There were times when I felt embarrassed or uncomfortable, like when

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I felt embarrassed or uncomfortable, like when I had to ask a teacher for a pad during class. And there were times when my period seemed to come at the worst possible moment, like on the day of a big test or a special event. But through it all, my mother was there to support me. She taught me how to take care of myself during my period and helped me understand that it was a natural and necessary part of being a woman. Cognitive I remember the day vividly. It was a warm summer afternoon, and I was sitting on a bench in the park, lost in thought. My mind was cluttered with doubts, fears, and insecurities. As I sat there, staring at the trees and listening to the birds chirping, I noticed a butterfly fluttering nearby. It was a beautiful creature, with vibrant colors and delicate wings. I watched as it danced around the flowers, seemingly without a care in the world. For some reason, watching that butterfly brought me a sense of peace. It reminded me that there was more to life than my problems and worries. I started to think about all the things I had to be grateful for - my health, my family, my

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friends, and all the experiences that had shaped me into the person I was today. As I reflected on these things, I realized that I had been neglecting my own cognitive growth. I had been so focused on my struggles that I had forgotten to challenge myself, to seek out new experiences and knowledge. In that moment, I made a decision. I was going to start living intentionally, pushing myself out of my comfort zone and learning new things. I was going to take risks, try new hobbies, and meet new people. I was going to invest in myself. And so I did. Over the next few months, I took singing classes, learned a new language, joined a modelling club, and volunteered at a local charity. I challenged myself in ways I never thought possible. Looking back on that day in the park, I realize that it was a turning point in my life. That butterfly was a symbol of my own transformation - from a stagnant, fearful person to a vibrant, curious one. I am grateful for that moment of clarity, and for the person I have become as a result of it

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Psychosocial I used to be the type of person who tried to please everyone. I was always worried about what others thought of me, and I would go to great lengths to make sure I was accepted and liked. But then something changed. I started to realize that I couldn't keep living my life for other people. I needed to figure out who I was and what I wanted out of life. It wasn't easy. I had to confront some hard truths about myself, and I had to learn to stand up for what I believed in, even if it meant going against the crowd. I started to surround myself with people who shared my values and beliefs. I found friends who supported me and encouraged me to be myself. And slowly but surely, I started to develop a stronger sense of self. I started to take risks, to try new things, to explore who I really was. And with each step, I grew more confident and more sure of myself. Now, at 17 years old, I feel like I'm on the cusp of something big. I'm not sure where this journey will take me, but I'm excited to find out. I'm excited to continue growing and developing, to continue learning about myself and the world around me. And most of all, I'm excited to see what kind of impact I can have on the world, now that I'm not afraid to be myself.

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Moral When I was younger, I thought that the world was black and white. I believed that there were clear-cut right and wrong answers to every moral question. But as I got older, I started to see that the world was more complicated than I thought. I started to see that people's experiences and circumstances shaped their decisions, and that sometimes what seemed like the right thing to do on the surface was actually harmful or hurtful. I started to question my own beliefs and values, and to consider alternative perspectives. It was uncomfortable and disorienting at first, but over time, I came to appreciate the richness and complexity of the world around me. I started to see that there were shades of grey in every situation, and that it was up to me to navigate those nuances with compassion and empathy. I started to prioritize understanding and forgiveness over judgment and punishment. It wasn't easy, and I still make mistakes. But I'm proud of the person I'm becoming - someone who values integrity, kindness, and generosity above all else.

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As I look ahead to my future, I'm excited to see where my moral compass will lead me. I'm excited to continue learning and growing, and to use my values to make a positive impact on the world around me. As I continue to navigate the complexities of my development, I am aware that there will be many more challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. But by focusing on my strengths and learning from my experiences, I am confident that I will continue to grow and evolve into the person I am meant to be. I am grateful for the support and guidance of my family, friends, and mentors, who have played a crucial role in helping me navigate the various aspects of my development. In conclusion, the aspects of my development have been shaped by both internal and external factors. Through it all, I have learned the importance of self-reflection, self-awareness, and self-love, and I am excited to continue growing and learning as I move forward in my journey of development.