Cousins' tribute to Ninang Trining on her 80th birthday

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I was tapped to speak on behalf of my cousins during Ninang Trining's birthday party. When I first heard about my assignment, I intended to talk about how Ninang Trining helped me get into the sciences. As I walked to the stage to start talking—and a true testament to the impromptu nature of my talk—I decided to change course and ended up saying something similar to this instead:

This is a story of a little girl. Lola Bats used to talk about how studious this little girl was in school. She decided to study nursing. Mamang and Papang were there to help starch her uniforms for nursing school. Many years later, she found herself in Michigan, still displaying the studiousness and industry that fascinated Lola Bats so much. 

She has been a big influence in the career paths of Ate Liza, Ate Maddie, and Anna, who are all registered nurses. She played the role of a second parent to Kuya Rico, Kuya Allan, Ate Marissa, and Ate Grace. She is a role model of what a Filipino professional working abroad looks like to me, Biboy, Kuya Mitch, and Kuya Arman. And for Kuya Jun-jun, Kuya Eldie, and Kuya Mulong, she has always been supportive and eager to be a helping hand whenever she is needed. 

And so, on her 80th birthday, your 14 nephews and nieces would like to say thank you, Ninang Trining. May God bless you with good health, happiness, and a loving community. Cheers!

I kept my speech as brief as I could, remembering what it felt like to be in front of Toastmasters and thinking on my feet during Table Topics. 

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