A friend once told me, “Once you leave home, you’ll never truly be home again.” And she was right.

As an expat for 15 years, I’ve undergone a significant transformation. Living in different countries has shaped my worldview, taught me countless lessons, and connected me with wonderful people along the way. It’s been a rollercoaster of experiences, each adding to my growth in unexpected ways.

Growing up in the Philippines was both a blessing and a challenge. In a culture where beauty standards are often very narrow, being different can make you feel like an outsider....