Filipino-American Identity
I was born and raised in Metro-Detroit, Michigan with my parents’ tales of what life had been like in the Philippines. They shared stories about climbing up coconut trees as the wind blew (nearly giving my Grandmother a heart attack) and stories about running through sugar cane fields without getting caught by the local farmer. They also told me stories about poverty, hunger, and limited opportunities, and for those reasons, left the Philippines behind and traveled to the U.S. for a better life. Still, they were proud of their Filipino heritage, but I had been born an American. I didn’t understand what they were trying to tell me.
My first visit to the Philippines changed all that.
It made an abstract notion concrete. It defined how my upbringing and values were different from the vast majority of my American friends. I may have been born in the United States and I may identify as an American, but my experiences and perspectives were unique from theirs.
From then on, I’ve tasked myself with learning more about my Filipino identity while also genuinely sharing who I am with the world. Filipino-Americans gain more and more representation every year, but we still have a ways to go. My hope is that I can share some of these perspectives here.
World Adventurer
Faced with understanding what life was like in the Philippines, my mind grappled with a million questions. Political systems, economic opportunities, and cultural norms were all wildly different than what I was accustomed to, even for someone whose parents had intentionally integrated Filipino culture into my upbringing. Ultimately, I became obsessed with a single question – Why had the Philippines developed so differently than other nations?
My childhood quest led me to a love of history, political science, psychology, philosophy, and a multitude of other subjects. My passions drove me to travel as much as I could, leading to adventures across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Travel pushes us to be uncomfortable, to try new things, and to meet new people. I’m hoping to capture some of that here from time to time.
Instructional Designer & Educator
My passion for history, philosophy, and political science ultimately led me to a career as a high school social studies teacher for eight years. I started my career teaching at Mumford High School in Detroit for two years before moving to my alma mater Divine Child High School in Dearborn, Michigan. I loved history. I loved teaching. I loved working with my students.
In Spring 2020, we were all thrown the curveball of curveballs. After the pivot to online learning, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work. I had just finished my master’s in Educational Technology through Michigan State University the year before. I knew what needed to be done and how to do it. I thrived.
It didn’t take long for me to realize that I could share my skills with others. I could continue to support education but in a new way. Come Summer 2020, I took a position as an Instructional Designer at Schoolcraft College in Livonia, Michigan. Now I work with faculty members to ensure online courses are aligned while leveraging the tools that online learning can provide.
As I learn more about my role as an Instructional Designer, I plan to share what I know here!
Bernadette Bacero 