Rock Bottom to Purpose
“for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes." - PROVERBS 24:16 NIV
From Rock Bottom to Purpose: My Journey of Resilience, Faith, and Transformation
Life has a way of throwing unexpected challenges our way, and for much of my life, I felt like I was trapped in an endless cycle of instability and struggle. Born to Filipino immigrants in San Leandro, California, my early childhood was blissfully unaware of the difficulties my parents faced—until it all came crashing down. When my parents divorced, my world flipped upside down. My mother remarried, and we embarked on a whirlwind of moves across cities and schools, searching for stability but finding none.
My stepfather’s abuse and addiction created chaos at home, and my mother’s relentless determination to provide for my brother and me, even at the cost of her own health, became my first example of resilience. Yet, as a teenager, I couldn’t process the sacrifices and pain. Instead, I rebelled. Graffiti, drugs, skipping school, and anything else that numbed the chaos became my escape—until my mom made the difficult decision to send me to live with my father, a man I hadn’t seen in nearly a decade.
That transition was a wake-up call, though not in the way I expected. On probation and under the watchful eyes of officers who saw more potential in me than I saw in myself, I began to believe I could be something more. Around that time, I learned I was going to be a teen parent. My eldest child was born during my senior year of high school in 2002. It was the first spark of purpose I had felt in years.
But purpose doesn’t mean the struggles stop. By 2008, I appeared to have it all: promotions at work, a growing family, financial and even side business success. But the truth was far from the surface. My relationships unraveled, my ego inflated with fleeting success, and I spiraled into addiction. Within months, I lost everything I had worked for. I hit rock bottom—a place so dark that I attempted to end my life.
And then I heard a voice. I attribute it to God. The voice told me to leave the life that was killing me and to focus on my children. With a garbage bag of clothes and a backpack, I walked away. It wasn’t easy. By 2010, I was homeless, a recovering addict, and barely hanging on. But with the help of friends, family, and sheer determination, I began rebuilding—one small step at a time.
In 2014, I started in solar sales. It was 100% commission, and my training was a binder and a wish of “good luck.” But if there’s one thing my past had taught me, it was to adapt. After six weeks of rejection, I landed my first deal, and something clicked. That moment became the foundation for a new chapter of growth. I built a career, rising through the ranks to become a divisional vice president of sales. By 2017, I was able to buy my kids their dream home (lol basically just a house with stairs)—a promise we had talked about for years.
The external success was gratifying, but the real transformation was internal. I learned that winning wasn’t about accolades; it was about improving every day, becoming the person worthy of the goals I was pursuing. Life tested me many times over the decade, but darkness hit again in 2021 when my youngest son was born with complications, and I stepped down from my corporate role to stabilize our family. Starting over yet again, I launched my own business, building something meaningful on my own terms and creating a life that allowed me to be present for my children; by no means was this easy, and it continues to be a struggle - but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Looking back, I see my journey as one of resilience, faith, and transformation. Here are the lessons I’ve learned:
God’s plan is greater than my own. Trusting His process, even when it makes no sense to me.
Take ownership of what you can control and release what you can’t.
Failure is not the end; it’s a necessary step toward growth.
Time is the most valuable currency. Use it intentionally.
Service creates purpose. When you live to serve others, you find fulfillment.
Today, my mission is clear. I want to inspire others who feel stuck or defeated. I’ve been there. I’ve doubted myself, faced failure, and feared change. But I also know that with faith, accountability, and the right mindset, you can transform your life. It’s not about the destination; it’s about who you become along the way. My hope is to leave a legacy of faith, empowerment, and purpose—to show my children and others that no matter where you start, your story is not over.
To anyone reading this who feels like they’re at their breaking point, I want you to know that you are capable of more than you believe. The struggles you face today can become the foundation for the success you achieve tomorrow. Together, we can rewrite your story and create a life worth living.
