Sharing Jessie's Story
My grandmother and I are 70 years apart in age. Even though I remember her from when I was young each time she visited us in California, I think I really got to know her when I was a young adult working and traveling in Asia and could visit her in Manila for a few months at a time. Between her many travels and many grandchildren, it took us some time to really know one another fully. But, once we did, we forged a special bond with our similar personalities and desire to help others. She remains one of my personal heroes in all that I do and is one of my inspirations in becoming a diplomat. Despite all the hardships she has endured in life, she has never waned in her generosity toward others and continues to show that age is just a number - her curiosity and sense of adventure still knows no bounds!
I always wanted to share my grandmother's story widely. Thanks to the work of my cousin, journalist and filmmaker Sunshine de Leon Lichauco, I was able to help tell that story.
