Sheila Marie O. introduction

Hi I’m Sheila, and I’m originally from Los Angeles, CA. I spent my first year abroad in London, and I’m planning to transition into Gallatin for creative writing and (maybe) something to do with religion. I’m also pursuing a business studies minor.

I had an intellectual experience when I went to the Philippines with my dad over the summer and learned that you can’t fully comprehend a culture unless you are fully immersed in it. Both my parents are Filipino, and even though I was born in the US I grew up with Filipino foods, dances, language, religion, etc. I thought I understood Filipino culture until I visited for the first time since I was three. I faced a huge culture shock and realized I didn’t know the virtues, motivations, and everyday way of life common in the Philippines and therefore was missing a vital part of what it means to be Filipino. I discovered that culture isn’t only conducted by traditions and customs but by the similar ways of thinking and behaving that form out of common living.