WHO AM I, MY BACKGROUND, MY STORY

This Poem briefly summarizes what makes me, me. And who I am as an Individual.

(I will do my Best to answer/clarify information mentions in my poem).

 

I was, I am, And I Hope To Be

 

I was Born in the Philippines.
I was with three foster families.
I was a “mother” for my younger siblings.
I was someone who begged door to door with my “Lola”.
I was malnourished because I gave what little food I had to my sisters.
I was forced to grow up at 7 years old.

I WAS Maria Cristina Nacario Regulado.

 

My first name is the same as my birth mother’s first name.

Nacario was her maiden name, My birth mother was also adopted.

My former last name Regulado was given to me by my birth father even though he was not legally married to my birth mother.

 

To be honest, I don’t know very much about how I got my name.

Other than that I receive it as a present when I was born.

Interestingly I have the same First and Middle name as a waterfall in the Philippines.

Maybe there is a connection, but I don’t know.

 

I Always hated how I had to write out my long name again and again.

I signed documents stating that my sisters and want to get adopted.

I remember writing over and over again:

Maria Cristina Nacario Regulado. Maria Cristina Nacario Regulado.

Maria Cristina Nacario Regulado. Maria Cristina Nacario Regulado.

 

On December 19, 2009, I was Blessed with the joy of having family, people who I could call Mom and Dad.

Soon I was officially given the last name Given.

Lucky for me it only contains  five letters and is very easy to pronounce.

I AM Maria Cristina Given.

And these are my characters as Maria C. Given.

I am RESILIENT.

I am Caring.
I am Open-minded.
I am Hardworking.
I am the Elder Sister of 3 siblings.
I am a Student.

I am a LEARNER.
I am Willing to Help my Community.
I am Always  aware that Everyone has their own “Biography” (a story of who they are as an individual).

I am always willing to do my very best in everything I do.
I am Grateful for the things I Have.

I hope to be someone who graduated with a Masters from the College of my choosing.
I hope to have many financial help, scholarships to help with paying for schooling.
I hope to be able to study abroad in a 3rd world country.
I hope to be a: Elementary Teacher, Adoption Social Worker/ School Social Worker, Therapist...I hope to have a Service Base Career; A career that I love.
I hope to give back to my family & take care of them.
I hope to reach financial stability.
I hope to receive my future husband’s last name and give them to my children.
I hope to be happy, content, well educated, experienced, to always be a learner during my lifetime.

But when I finally Rest In Peace I would like my tombstone to say,

my name—my story in its longest form:

Maria Cristina Nacario Regulado Given …..(Husband’s Last