Angelino AF (Asian Flavor)

Five years ago, on the Fourth of July, I arrived in California. While fireworks filled the sky, I was beginning a new chapter of my own, not knowing how much my life would change.

If California has taught me anything, it’s that growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone.

When I first arrived, I was incredibly shy and lacked confidence. Living in Los Angeles changed that. This city has a way of pushing you to adapt, speak up, and become stronger.

Driving is the perfect example. I used to be terrified of freeways and would take surface streets whenever I could. Today, I actually prefer driving on the freeway because I find it safer and more predictable. Ironically, I was rear-ended in a car accident earlier this year. It shook me, but it also reminded me that setbacks don’t have to define us.

My relationship with California is complicated. I love its coastline, diversity, road trips, and endless places to explore. At the same time, I don’t love the traffic, the cost of living, or the fast pace. But maybe that’s why I appreciate it so much—the places that challenge us often shape us the most.

Over the past five years, I’ve also fallen in love with learning. Visiting missions, museums, historic landmarks, and Indigenous sites has given me a much deeper understanding of California. That curiosity led me to explore the history of the United States as well. The more I learn, the more I realize that history is complex, and understanding it has changed the way I see this country.

As a Filipino, I’ve learned that appreciating a place means learning its story, not just admiring its beauty.

Every Fourth of July now has a special meaning for me. It’s not only America’s Independence Day—it’s also the anniversary of the day my California journey began.

If I could give one piece of advice to the person who arrived here five years ago, it would be this:

Keep exploring. Keep asking questions. Keep learning.

Because in the end, California didn’t just change where I live.

It changed who I am.

Happy Fifth California Anniversary. And Happy Fourth of July.