Auto Biography

  — • My Journey • —

Story of Finding My Own Light

          My name is Verena Anthonette Rubino, and I was born on July 23, 2009. My story began in a small town, a place that felt like its own little world. It was a place full of both laughter and tears, where I learned early on that life doesn't always go as you wish. Like a flower in a crowded garden, I grew up surrounded by a mix of beautiful and difficult things. My parents separated, a difficult thing for any child to experience, and they both went on to have their own families. I was caught in the middle of their arguments and shouting, and I experienced trauma as a child, feeling like a punching bag for other people's anger. I even remember a moment where my mom was holding one of my hands and my dad the other, a scene that felt straight out of a movie. I became a "papa's girl," maybe because of the painful experiences I had with my mom, like when she would deny that I was her real daughter.

          Despite all this, I have always tried to fix our relationship, but she often pushes me away, blaming me for things I couldn't control. This has made it hard for me to trust and connect with new people. It feels like a big risk to open up when you don't know if someone is truly genuine. But look, I'm in 11th grade now, taking the HUMSS strand, with a dream to study psychology or education and I want to understand more about the people who's in my surroundings. And  I might be small, but I know I'm a unique person with big dreams.

Finding My Place in the World

          When I ask myself, "Who am I?" I know the answer isn't simple. It’s a journey of understanding myself, a process that is always changing. I see my strengths and weaknesses, my likes and dislikes, and I realize they all play a part in making me who I am.

          One of my biggest strengths is finding joy in the little things. A beautiful sunset, a warm cup of coffee, a kind word from a friend—these small moments fill me with happiness. They remind me that happiness isn't just for big events; it's everywhere. This mindset helps me stay positive even when times are tough. My faith in God also gives me strength. It's my anchor, giving me a sense of purpose and comfort. I believe there's a greater plan for my life, and this belief helps me to be a kind and caring person. My family, especially my dad and grandparents, are my rock. They have been my support system and my source of inspiration, teaching me the value of hard work and love.

          But I'm also still working on myself. I'm an introvert; I feel most at peace when I'm on my own. I can be too sensitive and tend to take sarcastic or harsh comments to heart. I’m learning to remember that someone else's words don't define my worth. I also have a deep fear of losing people I care about, which reminds me to cherish every moment. I am the kind of person who values things and people, even if our time together is short. This can hurt when things change, like when a close friend moves away, but it also teaches me the importance of being ready for change and knowing that nothing lasts forever. I'm also trying to get better at talking to new people, especially in groups, because I know that connecting with others is important.

 My Hopes and Dreams

          When I look to the future, I have a big list of things I want to do. First, I want to become a psychologist or a teacher. I want to understand people and help them with their struggles, just as I've been helped through my own. I also want to repay my parents and guardians for all their hard work and sacrifices. I want them to feel appreciated and loved. And of course, I dream of starting my own business with money I've earned myself.

          Another important goal for me is to fix my relationship with my biological mom. I want to have at least one good memory with her because I believe that healing and forgiveness are important parts of life. I don't want to grow old without any good moments to cherish.

          My life has been full of moments that have shaped me. The time I spent with my dad, just talking or watching movies, are some of my most cherished memories. But there were also the darker times—the trauma and sadness from my childhood. These experiences taught me that it's okay not to be okay and that asking for help is a sign of strength. They also fueled my desire to help others who might be going through the same things.

Lessons I've Learned

          I've learned that life is a lot like a burnt fish. It's okay to make mistakes or for things not to turn out perfectly. A mature person doesn't avoid failure; they learn from it. That burnt fish is proof that you tried and that you're willing to keep going. I've also realized that everyone you meet has a role in your life, and when their part is over, they might leave. This taught me to be strong on my own, to value myself, and to find happiness within, not just from other people. You can't find yourself if you're not willing to take responsibility for yourself.

          Life doesn't always bring happiness, but the difficult times build us up. Without challenges, we would never be ready for the big things in life. I’ve come to see that I’m a lot like a potato. You can only see the skin on the outside, but there’s so much more hidden underneath. People have hidden strengths, thoughts, and feelings that you can't see right away. This reminds me not to judge others too quickly. Just like the sun is always behind the mist, there is always hope and light even when our lives feel foggy.

          In the end, my life is a mix of highs and lows. My journey is about embracing who I am—my strengths, my weaknesses, my dreams, and my fears. I'm still growing and learning, and I believe every challenge helps me become a better person. I want to be a positive light for others, just like my dad and grandparents were for me. Remember, we are all unique, and we should cherish what makes us special. And keep in mind that God is always there to guide us.