I was born and raised in a family of engineers and healthcare professionals. The year I was born, my country was just rising up from 14 years of martial law. So my younger years was surrounded by poverty, yet guided by happy, resourceful, and hardworking people.
UX Skills acquired:
Excelled in arts and science as a kid all the way through high school. I was constantly designing, creating, and experimenting even as a hobby. I also discovered my obsession with cleaning and organizing as early as 2nd grade.
I would graciously fold my entire family's laundry, and group them by purpose, size, and colors. Once a week in high school, I would volunteer to clean and organize our classroom on my own. I could very well be Marie Kondo.
UX Skills acquired:
Mostly due to social & family pressure, I took a Bachelor's degree in Nursing. Despite not being my first choice, it taught me a big deal about psychology, empathy, and customer service. I eventually passed both the Philippine and California licensure exams.
This period coincided with the rise of digital cameras. I fell in love with photography which led me to learn Adobe Photoshop and other related softwares.
UX Skills acquired:
Global recession hit. The worldwide demand for nurses declined. I took a temporary job as an HP laptop tech support for American and Canadian customers. I enjoyed it. I also landed a job with a similar role in an Australian telco company later on.
UX Skills acquired:
Went back to nursing. Worked in the Middle East. When I was there, my employer abused me. She also illegally held on to my passport so when a loved one died, I couldn’t come home. I fought for my rights and eventually went back to the Philippines to start anew. I decided that from then on, I’m going to follow where my heart leads me.
UX Skills acquired:
I got into entrepreneurship, & travel. Volunteered as a photographer/designer for various projects. Worked in the life and health insurance industry. I enjoyed the finance aspect of it.
Moved to Vietnam to be a marketing arm for a language school. The business didn't work out. Taught English to kids in person and coached adult test-takers online. Lived in Malaysia and Singapore.
UX Skills acquired:
I applied for and was selected to represent my country at the 2016 Global Entrepreneurship Summit @ Standford University. Visa issues prevented me from attending in person so I attended the sessions remotely.
Biggest lesson I got from the summit: Software is eating the world.
This propelled me to take a serious look at the tech industry.
UX Skills acquired:
After 8 years of 4 visa restrictions, I was finally granted access to US. Lived in Seattle to explore my options in the tech industry. Attended and volunteered in meetups and hackathons. Stumbled upon UX Design. I proceeded to formally study UX Design and Front-End Development for 2 years.
UX Skills acquired:
I'm an award-winning UX Designer. Despite all the roadblocks and detours I had to take, I’m really excited to finally arrive in a field that unites my strengths, experiences, and aspirations. I believe the long and grueling journey had prepared me well for the work ahead.
