Kamusta! To truly understand my identity, you have to look far beyond the surface facts of my life. Being the youngest in a family of five with two older brothers did not just mean I was looked after; it actively shaped my determination and voice. Standing my ground among older siblings turned me into a highly observant, fiercely independent individual who knows exactly how to speak up. Moving from the Philippines to Aotearoa-New Zealand in 2022 added another complex layer to my psychology. At eight years old, my entire sensory world shifted, the language, the climate, and the social norms. This transition forced me to learn the delicate art of cultural adaptation. My identity now exists in the rich space between both cultures, making me highly adaptable, open-minded, and resilient to change.
Because of this ongoing transition, what I am learning goes far beyond school subjects or sports techniques. When I play badminton, basketball, or volleyball, I am not just trying to win a game; I am actively practicing emotional regulation, discipline, and strategic thinking under pressure. Sports serve as my laboratory for life. Every time I step onto a court or into a classroom in this new environment, I am continuously learning how to navigate discomfort, embrace mistakes, and build meaningful connections with people from entirely different backgrounds.
The most profound layer of my identity lies within the history of my name, Ruth Frances. When my parents were forced to choose between my mum’s survival and my own during a dangerous, premature birth, their refusal to give up became the absolute foundation of my existence. I am here because of a miracle, a medical battle, and an act of absolute faith. Carrying the name of the doctor who saved us, Maria Ruth Frances, gives me an existential responsibility. It serves as a psychological blueprint of my character traits. The name Ruth defines my outer self, representing loyalty, warmth, and an innate desire to build deep, meaningful friendships. Conversely, Frances represents my internal core, standing for bravery, resilience, and a strong-willed spirit. I am a deliberate balance of these two forces: gentle and caring on the outside, but possessing an unshakeable, fierce inner strength that allows me to face adversity head-on.
Ultimately, my identity is firmly anchored in my roots, guided by the famous Filipino proverb, “Ang isang tao na hindi marunong lumingon sa pinanggalingan ay hindi makakarating sa paroroonan” (“A person who does not remember where they came from will never reach their destination”). This philosophy serves as my personal manifesto, reminding me that everything I learn today must be built on a strong foundation. It teaches me that ambition should always be balanced with humility. I understand that in order to soar high in New Zealand, my roots must remain deeply planted in the soil of the Philippines, strengthened by the sacrifices of my parents, Ronie and Lea. In the end, I am a determined individual with a courageous spirit, a survivor who thrives on challenges, an adaptable daughter of two nations, and a young woman who uses her history as fuel for her future.
How does your identity shape you?