Hi! My name is Ashley Kaye R. Cruz. I'm 20 years old and this is me at my younger age. Around 4 or 5 years old I graduated kindergarten. My mom said that I was always sick when I was a child to the point that I got a kidney disease but thankfully I'm fully healed and recovered. And you will notice that my body is different as I grow older. 

I always wanted to be with my mom everywhere she went I wanted by her side. That is why even though my mom is going to school she accompanied me to the point that I call her classmates "Tita" or "Tito". My mother was pregnant early, so it did not hinder her from continuing her studies and pursuing her dreams until she reached it. 

This is what I'm talking about my body was thin compared to the present day. At this stage, I always wanted to go outside and play with other children to enjoy my childhood environment. I always wanted to play and play because I was the only child of my parents. I don't have any siblings that's why all of their attention is on me. Also, my parents are always at work. My mother is a private teacher she has no time for me because she goes to school in the morning and comes home in the evening tired, same as my father comes home every weekend from work, in short they have no time for me. By that, I grew up with my grandparents.

At this point, I accomplished my Junior High School at Manggahan National High School and was a Salutatorian in my batch. They are very proud of me. Even though this time was a pandemic my mom was there for me and celebrated my achievement. 

I was in grade 11 at this stage and I achieved with honors in our section and as usual, it's my mom again. Always there to see and support me in every achievement I've got. As time went by, my mind changed every year, with experience, challenges, learnings, and many more.

It's legal age! They both want me to finish and prioritize my school. All their hard work and eagerness to want them to feel that kind of celebration for me. They finally achieved it and I'm very grateful as their child to feel that happiness. All of my loved ones are there, especially my family and friends. The best day celebration I've ever had in my life, and it is the most unforgettable experience that my parents gave me.  

Thank you very much Tay even though you're always at work, you don't waste your time with me you always talk to me. I've been crying since I was 16 or 17, but I've always listened and understood you because I know it is for my sake and it is right for me. I'm glad you're here because if it wasn't for your preaching, I wouldn't have been able to do this and think critically in every situation I encountered. They would have known Ashley differently if I hadn't listened to you.