Inspirations

So far, a lot of the little things in life inspire me. I can't help but to notice the details of things, and imperfections of the earth itself, as well as people, but it's what makes us who we are. Earlier on this semester, we made inspiration boards, and talked about what inspires us. I'd like to take some time to talk about the things that inspire me in life, academically, socially, emotionally, and whatever else may take its toll on me. First off, I'd like to start with my family.

This is a picture of my family before I was born. My parents and my older brothers. They have been the biggest inspiration thus far because they are family and family always comes first.

Here is a picture of my parents and I when we first arrived in San Francisco. We took a cable car down to Fisherman's Wharf and explored what the city had to offer. It was a lovely day and it was the day before they left me to be on my own here in the lovely bay area. I also believe we attended the Giants game not too long after this picture was taken.

All of my family members are important to me, including my grandparents, but I particularly chose this picture of my dad's grandparents because just a year ago, they were both diagnosed with cancer. My great grandmother passed away in June 2010, and later reunited with my great grandfather in November 2010. I dedicate my whole left arm to them, as I currently have a birdhouse(which my great grandfather used to love making), a blue jay(the state bird of New Jersey; where they are from), and a hummingbird(her favorite bird). I will add more soon. 

This dog truly changed my life. We got her from a friend of my brother when we visited Hawaii in 2001 for my grandfather's funeral, and we named her Hokulani. Hokulani means heavenly star in Hawaiian, and she was a very wise dog. She protected us and alerted us when trouble was near, and she was always loving to kindhearted people. In 2008, she started losing weight and stopped eating. She was diagnosed with severe diabetes and we had to put her down because treatment would have just meant suffering.

After our sad departure with Hoku, we brought home Pono; a half shitzu, half poodle fluff ball. a year and a half later, he was joined by Puka; a half maltese, half poodle hyper little ball of love. They go by the Eesters, because Pono is known as Mister Pono or the "Meester", and Puka is his sister, aka "Seester." They are doing well today and I will get to see them soon enough. Moving on, I'd like to talk about my best friends. 

Kaitlin Rose Evans. I have known her since the sixth grade, and I've gone to school with her as well as played sports with her. We kind of lost contact through the middle of high school, but we started hanging out a lot more and I am very proud to call her a best friend. She is there for me through my best and worst times. Being at different schools makes it hard, but we manage to find time to skype and talk over the phone about new things everyday. I'm super excited that she's always there to greet me with open arms and a smile. We have the same attitude, and you mess with her, you're messing with me. 

Zaira Stephanie Benavente. We've been off and on great friends since the fifth grade. We started taking more classes together, hanging out, going bowling, to concerts, and to eat sushi, even to just enjoying my mom's cooking. Sometimes we do have little fights, but we always know it'll get better. We have this friendship that is so real, we can be so upfront about anything with each other without getting offended. I've let this girl dye my hair different colors and I've even worn her clothes. Even though we are both tough-minded sometimes, we get along very well, and enjoy most of the same things. She inspires me to not care what others think and just to move on with things, because life doesn't wait for anyone.

Bree Cruz. It's unfortunate to think that people can drift apart, and I'm truly sorry that this has happened between us. We got along so well, that it was quite scary, and then we started making decisions that the other person didn't agree with. Bree has actually inspired me to be proud of being a female gamer, and a minority. I'm trying to motivate her to get back into shape for softball, because I'd love to see her play a sport that we have talked so much about and spent so much time working towards. I never got the chance to see her play because she hurt her shoulder and got surgery prior to us meeting. I won't be back in San Francisco with her in the fall, but hopefully she can find the courage to do things that she wants to do and not be held back by anyone or anything.

Alia Kelly. Wheremydadat? was our legacy in high school. We were the dynamic duo on the softball field and off it. Leaving her for college was hard because she is two grades younger than me, but I can gladly say I will have the opportunity to reunite with her this fall at my new school. We always had this presence everywhere we went, and even in our worst times, we found something worthy to enjoy, whether it was how ridiculous we looked, or how we just cherished each moment that we got to spend laughing at stupid jokes. She has inspired me to let loose and be obnoxious, because sometimes, it's just what we need. I'm super excited to know that we will be a strong defense and offense next spring. I have confidence that we will go far in softball, school, and our friendship.

Noah Ramos. The man who helped me record and edit my informational interview. My brother, my friend, and a memory. Noah is a Jewish Mexican who proudly announced it to a Christian protestor at Hippie Hill on 4/20. He is outgoing, quirky, and has the best intentions. He is one of the most level-headed people I have ever met, and he has been the one who has helped me most with my self-confidence issue. It's really sad that we will be two states away next semester, but I'm hoping to still remain close and visit each other during breaks from school. I am proud to call him my brother, even if we aren't related at all, because that's what he has been to me. Nothing is ever awkward or not appropriate between us, and I find that to be an important quality in a friend.

Next up would be art and games. Art is everywhere, and so many people play video games. I have been studying game design at the Academy of Art University and it has been one of the best experiences of my life. I have such a greater appreciation for art and the art in games. I never realized how much work drawing really is, or how much work creating a game could be. Music is art as well, and music keeps me going through my days, whether its during homework, working out, or just relaxing. Each person I have encountered that is involved with art in unique in their own way, and it is really interesting to see what people can do. 
Last, but not least, I would definitely have to say that Hawaii and Seattle both inspire me. Or better yet, where I'm from.

I moved to Seattle from Hawaii, and I was stupid to leave for college. Washington is gorgeous, and I am excited to go back home to see my friends, family, and to go to more shows because the music scene is great. A lot of people say it rains constantly, but the weather in Washington varies so much, and it's really nice to actually have seasons. 

Where it all began... I was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, and raised in Waipahu. I never knew that life could be so different until I moved away, but I miss living there everyday. The weather is amazing, and the island hospitality is one you could never forget. We'd call people that aren't related to us auntie or uncle, and we'd all act like we've known each other. Everyone is so giving, and so laid back. It's what keeps me calm. I love going back to visit, just to think about the times when I was younger, carefree, and of course to remember my roots.

There are many other things that inspire me, but the things I've noted are the most important to me, and they reflect who I am as a person. I am proud to be affiliated with these people and these places. Every day is a new opportunity.