My early years in the Philippines were a constant search for a place to call home. 

I moved from one relative's house to another, a child without a steady anchor, dependent on the kindness and resources of others. This nomadic existence left me with a deep, aching void—a longing for a sense of belonging. The absence of stability led me down a difficult path, one where I made choices ill-suited for a child, navigating a world filled with violence and alcohol abuse.

Then, a second chance arrived, not in a new city, but in a new country. I was given an opportunity to come to Australia, a chance to change the course of my life. This was not just a journey across borders; it was a journey toward a different future. 

I held onto this opportunity with everything I had, determined to rewrite my story. I channeled the pain of my past into a powerful motivation to build a better life. My journey taught me about the incredible power of a second chance and the resilience forged through adversity. 

Now, I want to share my story to show that our past does not define us. Our struggles can become our greatest strengths, and a single opportunity can be the catalyst for profound change.