“A journey is best measured in friends rather than miles”

It all started this way…

During the tragedic earthquake of 1990, I was being carried by mom. After 5 months, exactly December 27 of that year. I finally came out to see the world. A baby girl is finally given by the Almighty God. The blood that flows in her veins is from an Ilocano and a Zamboangeña. My parents are Romeo Estal Cayetano and Primitiva Pedro Cayetano. I’m the 5^th and the so-called “unica iha”. I entered the catholic world and known today as Aileen Cayetano.

At age of 4 1/2, I, Aileen, went to already to school. At my age, I grabbed the 3^rd slot. The following year, at the same school, Crisanto Sanchez Day Care Center, I became the 1^st honor. I spent my elementary days at San Jose East Central School. I could always be seen belonging to section one and the same time, a consistent honor student. I’ve join a lot of contest and I even dance before. I graduated with flying colors, the batch ’02-’03 class salutatorian.

My parent expects a lot from me. That caused a lot of pressure on my part. When I finally moved on my teenage years, Constancio Padilla national High School had opened its doors for me. My classmates started to address me as “ma’am Aileen. I was belonging to the pilot sections, at the same time, a consistent honor student. The life during those years was more complicated. My fourth year played a great part in my life. This was where I felt the sadness, anger and especially to be happy. Despite of being shy (according to most of the people I met), I have been a part of the major organizations in my school; I became a consistent Supreme Student Government officer. I started as a representative, won the second time, became the assistant treasurer and finally, the treasurer. I was the writer-turned-feature editor of The Grain, our school publication. I became a COCC trainee when I was a junior and be a Lt. Col, the Corps G-2(Intelligence officer), the 4^th highest position in our CAT I unit. I graduated as the 8^th honorable and received some special awards last March 30, 2007.

I may no be able to bring home the highest award, but, I am glad that during my stay in my Alma Mater I have left a mark in the memories and hearts of the persons who shared their life with me.

I spread my wings and learning to fly on my own.

I am pursuing a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education in my dream school, Central Luzon State University. I haven’t been a Dean’s Lister, University or College scholar, but I am proud to be a San Jose’s LGU scholar for almost 3 consecutive years.

I met and will meet different faces…

Until now my JOURNEY continues…