Starting this blog feels both exciting and a little intimidating. For a long time, I’ve been focused on working hard, managing responsibilities, and making sure things around me kept moving forward. But lately, I’ve realized that I need a space for me—somewhere I can share my thoughts, my experiences, and the lessons I’ve picked up along the way. This blog is the beginning of that space.
My name is Monique, and I’m a 27-year-old woman who’s been lucky enough to live what I’d call a culture-filled adventure. I spent seven years living in Beijing, China, where I attended a Chinese public high school and learned to adapt, grow, and appreciate a completely different way of life. Those years shaped so much of who I am—curious, resilient, and open to new perspectives.
In 2017, I came back to the United States and began the next chapter of my journey by attending college for the first time. I earned my degree in Asian Studies with a minor in Chinese, continuing to build on the part of the world that had already left such a deep mark on me. After graduating, life led me down an unexpected but fulfilling path: teaching. I discovered how much I love helping others learn and grow, first as a swim instructor and later as I worked my way up to becoming an Assistant General Manager at a swim school here in Washington State.
Through all of this, I’ve learned that every experience—no matter how big or small—teaches us something about ourselves. Working long hours and balancing responsibilities has given me structure, but it also reminded me how important it is to pause and reflect. Going back to school reignited my curiosity, and now, starting this blog feels like the next natural step. It’s my way to express myself openly, talk about my days, share my thoughts and worries, and continue learning in a new way.
This might be a new beginning, but it’s one I’m ready for. I may not have everything figured out, but I’m here, writing, growing, and finally finding my voice.
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