Young, Wild, and Free: Ghen's Journey into Early Adulthood
“So what we get drunk. So what we smoke weed. We're just having fun. We don't care who sees. So what we go out. That's how it's supposed to be. Living young and wild and free.” – Young, Wild, & Free by Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa
Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa’s songs capture the spirit of early adulthood. Young, this is the time in life when people begin to discover who they are, feeling fearless and carefree. Wild, is a phase of independence and rebellion, where they test boundaries and push back against the rules to live by their own choices. Free, the excitement of being in control, leaving behind old expectations, and stepping into the freedom to create their future.
For Ghen, these words reflect the energy of her journey into adulthood, a time to live fully, embrace new experiences, and explore what it truly means to be young, wild, and free.
Ghen Nicole, a 23-year-old graduating medical laboratory science (MLS) student at Davao Doctors College. She enjoys eating, partying, hiking, making friends, and playing online games. She stands out as an outgoing and bold person. As she navigates her early childhood, Ghen Nicole openly shares her changes, journey, and how she explores things coming to this stage, which gives an insight into her journey of exploring her existence. Her boldness to share her thoughts and feelings, focusing on her open-minded and accepting nature, as well as her forward-thinking view of the world around us, helps her connect with others and embrace new ideas.
As she coming to the end of her college journey, she is navigating the obstacles and temptations that come her way in early adulthood. Her college program will not only help her to get the blood flowing in her patient's veins and secure a steady income but also open doors to new opportunities for growth and success, providing a foundation for her personal goals despite her open-minded dedication and perseverance.
Physical Milestone (Physical Development, Performance, Health, Eating, and Weight)
At 23, she is experiencing physical changes as she transitions from adolescence to early adulthood. When asked about the specific physical changes she has noticed in her body, she mentioned that she has lost weight and thinks that her height has increased by one inch. She shared that her body was once quite large, and she lacked self-confidence. Her body mass index (BMI) was 31.4, which left her feeling devastated and frustrated, as she believed no one liked her because of her weight. Additionally, she felt quite short at the time.
She is now working on boosting her self-esteem and improving her appearance so that boys will be interested in her. Motivated by her friends, she began exercising outdoors at their house. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic spread and reached her community, she initially thought it would prevent her from exercising. But she found a way to take advantage of the situation, as there were no classes, and she had more time to focus on her health.
For Ghen, physical activities play a significant role in her life, contributing to both her physical and mental development. Engaging in exercise help her to maintain physical health, boost energy levels, and improve her strength and endurance. When she was at their backyard, she likes exercise that improve her cardiovascular health, flexibility, and overall fitness. Which can greatly offer her a high opportunities to challenge herself, set goals, and measure progress, which can creates to increased her self confidence and a stronger sense of achievement.
Before she started her exercise routine, she once told herself, “Five years surged karun mo payat nako.” She set a goal to lose weight within five years, and she made plans for when and where to exercise. She actually followed through with these plans. However, when the pandemic hit, everything changed. Despite the challenges, she continued to exercise in the morning, afternoon, and evening. She used exercise apps to track the calories she burned and how many hours she spent working on her muscles, joints, and cardio.
She set her alarm for 5:30 a.m. to wake up, take a shower, and drink coffee. At exactly 6:00 a.m., she began her routine, which included stretching, walking the dogs, and doing some cardio. She finished her morning routine by 9:00 a.m. when she would have breakfast to regain her energy. By 3:00 p.m., she would focus on flexibility exercises and then work on muscle training with less intense activities until 6:00 p.m. All of this was achieved through her discipline and perseverance to lose weight.
For her, exercise not only improved her physical health but also positively impacted her academic performance and social interactions. The discipline she applied to her exercise routine helped her develop the same focus and consistency in other aspects of her life. It also helped her maintain mental stability during the depression years of COVID-19. Although it was tough, as she felt exhausted after exercising and found herself staring at her phone with little to do, she learned how to manage her time better. Exercise helped her figure out when to use her phone, when to study for her academics, and when to sleep.
Good health helps people live a full life. For her, being healthy in early adulthood means having the physical, mental, and emotional well-being needed to pursue her goals, enjoy life, and handle the challenges that come her way. Good health isn’t just about being free from illness; it’s about feeling strong, energetic, and mentally balanced so that she can fully engage in her personal, social, and academic pursuits.
To maintain her health, she focuses on several key areas. She prioritizes a balanced diet that provides essential nutrients to keep her energized and focused throughout the day. A calorie deficit also helps her avoid unhealthy weight gain. She has even gone almost five years without eating rice. Regular exercise is also important; it helps her stay physically fit, boosts her immune system, and reduces stress and depression. Getting enough sleep is essential for her well-being, allowing her body and mind to recharge. Despite her school’s never-ending deadlines, she ensures she sleeps 7-8 hours a night.
She also pays attention to her mental health. When she needs a mental health break, she fully disconnects, especially if she feels mentally exhausted. This might mean turning off her phone, taking a day off, or spending time away from the city, sometimes even attending parties to relieve stress, despite having an exam later in the week. She reminds herself that mental health truly matters, and when her body needs rest, or if medications don’t seem effective, she goes to the school clinic (as it’s covered by her tuition) or checks in at a nearby free healthcare clinic.
One of the biggest challenges she encountered regarding her health was the fear of dying, especially when she contracted COVID-19. In 2021, both she and her family tested positive for the virus, which brought not only physical illness but also a sense of vulnerability and anxiety. The experience left her fearful about her health and uncertain about the future, as the pandemic was filled with stories of people suffering and even losing their lives. To cope with this challenge, she focused on both physical recovery and mental resilience. She followed her doctor’s recommendations, prioritized rest, and made efforts to support her immune system. Emotionally, she managed her anxiety by staying connected with family and friends who provided support, and she practiced mindfulness and meditation to calm herself.
This challenge also led her to adopt healthier habits, such as regular exercise and greater awareness of her mental health. The experience taught her that maintaining health is about more than just treating symptoms; it’s about building inner strength, finding emotional support, and valuing each moment of wellness.
Cognitive Milestone
Ghen Nicole, now 24, is beginning to navigate the complexities of her cognitive development. Reflecting on her ability to look back and analyze her experiences has given her valuable insights into her strengths, values, and aspirations, helping her make intentional decisions about her future.
A specific example of how reflection influenced her career path happened during her third year in college. Initially, Ghen Nicole pursued medical laboratory science (MLS) purely because she wanted to secure a stable income and future. However, after volunteering in a community health program, she realized that her true passion put her directly in helping people and making a tangible impact on their health. This experience changed her perspective on her field. She started looking into how MLS could lead to roles where she could work more directly with patients and support public health programs. This reflective insight inspired her to pursue college and training in patient care, with the goal of working in a more hands-on medical environment after graduation.
We asked her about how she handles different perspectives. She finds it helpful to consider different perspectives when setting her career goals. This helps her make a plan that fits her values and the realities of her field. She thinks about what different career paths would be like day to day and overtime. She also asks for advice from mentors and friends to get a broader view. By understanding different points of view, she can see the benefits and challenges of each choice and decide if a path will bring her the growth and happiness she foresees.
This approach has influenced her decisions by making her more flexible and open to new options. Instead of sticking to just one plan, she explores other ways to reach her goals, like extra training or different roles. For example, when she chose MLS (Medical Laboratory Science) in college, she tried to explore her options and asked others what career might be the best fit for her. She was in a phase of identity moratorium, exploring different courses and seeking advice but not ready to commit fully yet. By doing this, she took the time to assess and consider different perspectives to help her choose a future career that she felt would be worthwhile, enjoyable, and stable.
This approach allowed her to find a path she could see herself enjoying in the long term. This makes her goals feel more meaningful and achievable, as they’re based on practical advice and her own reflections.
When it comes to her decisions and actions, she emphasizes that all her plans fit her situation. When setting career goals, she looks at her personal life, academic commitments, and work environment to make sure her plans work well for her. For example, during a busy semester in college, she wanted to take on a part-time job to gain experience, explore new areas, and earn money. However, she knew her program was intense and competitive, and she was already struggling to keep up. Instead of taking on a job for extra experience and income, she focused on getting good grades and building skills through smaller, flexible projects that she could manage alongside her studies.
By adjusting her plans to fit her schedule and energy levels, she was able to stay on top academically without overwhelming herself. This taught her that considering her current circumstances helps her make better choices, leading to long-term success.
She views her career goals as flexible and open to change. She understands that things may not always go as planned, so she’s ready to adjust when needed. She sets goals but remains open to new opportunities that may come her way. This helps her stay adaptable and not get stuck if things change. When faced with uncertainty, she takes a calm way to planning. She focuses on what she can control and takes small steps toward her goals. She’s not afraid to change her path if it feels right, knowing that being adaptable will help her succeed in the long run.
In conclusion, Ghen Nicole’s cognitive approach to her career has helped her make decisions that match her values and goals. By considering different perspectives, staying flexible, and adjusting her plans to fit her situation, she has found a career path that brings her both stability and satisfaction. Her ability to reflect on her experiences and seek advice from others has allowed her to choose a path that feels right for her. Ghen’s journey shows that being open to change and exploring new options can lead to a more fulfilling future.
Socioemotional (Temperament, Attachment, Faces of Love, Falling Out of Love, Making Marriage Work, and Becoming a Parent)
Ghen Nicole M. Marocojos has a bold and outgoing personality that really shapes the way she interacts with friends and romantic partners. She enjoys socializing, making new friends, and trying new things. Because of this, she’s open and accepting in her relationships, and people feel comfortable around her. She’s confident and doesn’t mind sharing her thoughts and feelings, which helps her build strong, trusting relationships. Her boldness makes her a leader in social situations, encouraging others to be more expressive and adventurous too.
When it comes to handling stress or conflicts, Ghen’s temperament plays a big role in how she reacts. For example, when she faces tough challenges like exams or social pressures, she faces them with determination and a positive attitude. She doesn’t run away from problems; instead, she sees them as chances to grow. Her confidence helps her stay focused on finding solutions, even when things get tough. She’s not easily discouraged and keeps pushing forward, using her outgoing personality to stay strong and motivated.
Knowing her temperament has helped Ghen deal with challenges in her relationships. By understanding that she’s bold and outgoing, she’s learned to use her open-mindedness to get along with others. When there are disagreements, she’s quick to talk about them openly and honestly. Her accepting nature lets her see things from other people’s perspectives, which helps her find common ground and strengthen her relationships. Her ability to embrace change and grow with others makes her adaptable when things get tough with her friends or partner.
Ghen has also noticed that her temperament is different from that of some of her close friends or romantic partners. While she’s bold and outgoing, some of her friends might be more quiet or hesitant about trying new things. This can sometimes lead to misunderstandings, especially when she encourages them to step out of their comfort zones. However, Ghen’s open-mindedness helps her understand that everyone moves at their own pace. She respects their boundaries but still tries to push them to try new experiences. This balance of boldness and patience makes her a supportive friend and partner.
She thinks that her attachment style is probably more on the anxious side, She tends to get worried or overthink things she she's in a relationship. She feels secure and knows that the other person really cares for her, but sometimes she's struggling with doubt and fear of being abandoned. This sometimes makes her overly clingy or seek constant reassurance, especially when things feel uncertain. It can make her romantic relationships a bit complicated because she might act in ways that push the other away.
When things get tough, she tends to rely on my friends or partners for support. She feels better when she can talk to someone about what's going on in her life, She doesn't always feel super comfortable asking for help, though, because she doesn't want to be a burden, but when she opens up, it helps her a lot. It is nice to know that someone these to listen, even if they don't have all the answers. She thinks it makes her feel less alone in her struggles.
Over this time, She thinks that her attachment style has changed a little. She used to be more anxious in relationships, especially when she was younger, but she has gotten better at handling those feelings. A lot of it has to do with growing up and becoming more independent. She learned that she doesn't always need someone else to make her feel okay and that sometimes, it's better to give space to the other person. She had relationships that helped her see how important trust and communication are, which helped her to feel more secure.
When it comes to her conflicts, she tends to get pretty emotional at first. She can get defensive or frustrated, and it's hard for her to stay calm sometimes. Her anxious attachment might make her react in a way that is not always the best, like getting upset or pulling away. However, She has been trying to get better at talking things through instead of letting her emotions take over. She thinks understanding my attachment style has helped her realize why she reacted and acted the way she dl, and it has been helping her to figure out healthier ways to handle conflicts, like taking a deep breath and listening more.
Emotional intimacy to her means being able to connect with someone on a deep level, where you can share your true thoughts, feelings, and experiences without fear of judgment. It’s about feeling comfortable and safe with someone, knowing they care about you for who you really are. In her romantic relationships, she tries to pursue emotional intimacy by being open and honest with her partner, sharing what’s on her mind, and making sure they listen to each other. It’s important to her that they communicate well and support each other, especially during tough times.
She thinks the main difference between friendship and romantic love is that romantic love includes deeper feelings and a sense of commitment to each other, while friendship is more about trust and having fun together. In friendship, you can be close to someone and share a lot of your life, but it’s not as intense as romantic love. For her, the essential qualities in a friendship are trust, loyalty, and support. In romantic love, there needs to be passion, intimacy, and a commitment to being there for each other long-term.
A moment when she fell deeply in love was when she realized how much her partner cared for her, not just during the good times but also when things were tough. What made it special was the way he always supported her, no matter what was going on. It was a moment where she felt completely accepted and loved for who she was, and she knew that the love they shared was real and strong. That kind of connection made her appreciate how important romantic love can be.
In long-term relationships, affectionate love is super important because it helps keep the bond strong. It’s the small gestures like hugs, compliments, or simply being there for each other that show love is still alive and well. Consummate love, for her, is the perfect balance of intimacy, passion, and commitment. It’s when you have deep emotional closeness with your partner, you’re still attracted to them, and you both are committed to staying together through thick and thin. That’s the kind of love she thinks makes a relationship last.
Ghen thinks some signs that someone is falling out of love could be when they stop caring about their partner’s feelings or when they feel less excited about spending time together. The emotional connection might start to fade, and you might notice you’re not as interested in sharing things with each other. She has seen this happen in her own relationships, where things started to feel more distant, and they didn’t talk as much or do things that made them happy together. It’s like you start realizing that your connection isn’t as strong as it used to be.
When Ghen feels like she’s falling out of love, it’s definitely hard, but she tries to take a step back and reflect on the situation. She thinks it’s important to give herself a space to process her feelings. Sometimes, talking to a close friend or writing about what she's feeling helps her understand things better. She is also trying to focus on taking care of herself, like doing activities that make her feel good or spending time with people who support her. It’s not easy, but she believes that understanding her emotions and giving herself time to heal helps her cope.
Nicole believes that there are many factors that can cause couples to drift apart. It could be due to a lack of communication, where they stop talking about their needs or feelings. External factors like stress from work, school, or family problems can also play a role in creating distance between partners. Sometimes, it’s just the little things that add up over time, like not spending enough quality time together or losing the passion in the relationship. It’s really about how both people handle these challenges and whether they try to work through them together.
It is possible to rekindle love once it has faded, but it’s not always easy. It would require both people to put in the effort to reconnect and communicate openly about how they feel. You’d need to reflect on what’s changed and work together to bring back the intimacy and passion. Trying new things together, like going on dates or having deep conversations, can help revive those feelings. She thinks that it’s all about both people being willing to invest time and energy into making the relationship better again, and if both are committed, love can definitely be reignited.
Ghen has faced some challenges in early adulthood, especially when it comes to balancing her studies as a medical laboratory science student with her personal life. School can be really demanding, especially during exams, which can leave her feeling stressed. On top of that, she has to deal with adult responsibilities like managing her finances, making important decisions, and figuring out what she wants to do for her future career.
To handle all of this, Ghen has learned to manage her time better and set realistic goals for herself. She uses a planner to keep track of her tasks and makes sure to take breaks to avoid burnout. Having a strong support system, including her friends and family, also helps her stay motivated and grounded when things get tough.
A moment that really made Ghen feel proud was when she was already in her internship for her medical program. Even though it was challenging, she felt great knowing that she had applied what she learned in school to real-world situations. Ghen worked hard to improve her skills and learn from her mistakes. Waiting to finish the internship gave her a big confidence boost and showed her that all her hard work was paying off. It reminded her that she was on the right path and motivated her to keep going.
Achievements
Ghen’s mindset about success and failure has changed a lot as she’s gotten older. She used to be afraid of failing, but now she sees it as a chance to learn and grow. A time when her growth mindset helped her was when she struggled with a difficult subject in her medical laboratory science program. At first, she felt frustrated because she couldn’t get the concepts right. Instead of giving up, she decided to study harder and ask for help. By changing how she thought about the challenge—seeing it as an opportunity to get better rather than a setback—she managed to improve and pass the course. This taught her that failure isn’t the end; it’s just part of the process.
Ghen is motivated by her desire to help people and make a difference in the healthcare field. She’s always been inspired by her teachers and mentors, who encouraged her to keep pushing toward her goals. A specific experience that motivates her is when she sees patients’ lives improved because of the work done in medical laboratories. Knowing that she could be part of that process in the future keeps her focused and excited about her career. Also, the support from her family and friends, who believe in her, drives her to keep going even when things get tough.
When it comes to setting goals, Ghen likes to break them down into smaller steps. For her academic and career goals, she first decides what she wants to achieve in the short term, like passing a certain course or finishing her internship. Then, she sets a timeline for when she wants to complete each step. She checks in with herself often to see if she’s on track or if she needs to adjust her plans. Ghen also likes to set personal goals, like staying active or making time for friends, to keep a balance in her life. Having clear goals helps her stay organized and motivated.
Ghen keeps track of her progress by using a planner and setting regular check-ins with herself. For her studies, she uses a mix of notes and academic apps to make sure she’s understanding the lesson. She also asks for feedback from her professors to see how she can improve. When it comes to her career goals, Ghen looks at the milestones she has reached, like doing internships or attending career-related events, to see how close she is to her ultimate goal. Monitoring her progress helps her stay focused and adjust when things aren’t going as planned.
Perseverance has been key for Ghen, especially during tough times in her studies. One time, she was struggling with a lab project that wasn’t going as planned, and she felt ready to give up. But instead of quitting, she kept trying and learned from her mistakes. Ghen stayed determined, worked through the frustration, and eventually finished the project successfully. This experience showed her that sometimes, you just have to keep going even when things aren’t easy. Grit helped her push through those moments and achieve her goal.
Developmental Changes in Career
Ghen’s personal values, like helping others and making a positive impact, have influenced her choice to pursue a career in healthcare, specifically medical laboratory science. She feels a sense of purpose in what she does because she knows that the work she will do can directly affect patients' lives and contribute to their recovery. For her, the idea of being part of something that makes a real difference in the world is what keeps her motivated and driven to succeed in her chosen field.
To stay informed about job market trends and career opportunities in her field, Ghen relies on a mix of online resources, such as job boards, LinkedIn, and websites of healthcare organizations. She also talks to professors and professionals in the field, asking about new trends or any changes in job requirements. She believes it’s important to stay updated to ensure that she’s prepared for future opportunities and that her skills align with what’s needed in the job market.
Ghen’s work, especially with her studies and internships, has definitely affected her personal life. She sometimes finds it difficult to balance her time between school, work, and spending time with family and friends. There are moments when her workload feels overwhelming, and it’s hard to find time for relaxation. However, she knows that keeping a balance is important for her well-being, and she tries her best to organize her time so that she can enjoy both her career aspirations and her relationships with loved ones.
Since transitioning into adulthood, Ghen’s career aspirations have shifted a bit. Originally, she thought she wanted to go straight into a specific job right after graduation. However, after gaining more experience in her field, she now realizes that she may want to explore different career paths in healthcare, like working in research or specializing in a particular area of medical science. These changes have made her reconsider her long-term goals and allowed her to focus on gaining a broader range of experiences to help guide her career choices.
Lessons and Feelings in Early Adulthood
In early adulthood, Ghen feels that the most important lesson she’s learned is that opportunities should be grabbed when they come, even if it feels a bit scary or overwhelming at first. When she feels nervous about new experiences or challenges, such as going to a bar or having an important conversation, she reminds herself that it’s all part of growing and learning. She hasn’t had much experience in these situations yet, but she’s open to learning from them. Her goal is to focus on her education, pass her quizzes with high grades, and work toward becoming a professional in her field. She’s learning that growth doesn’t just happen in the classroom but in all of life’s experiences.
The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams - Eleanor Roosevelt.
