Author: Kima Rodriguez

Investing on Skincare Products

Published by Kima Rodriguez

Disclaimer: The product effectiveness I discuss in this blog is based solely on my personal experience. Remember, what works for me may not work for everyone due to differences in skin types. Always do a patch test and consider consulting a dermatologist before trying new products. I’m not liable for any reactions or results from using these products. Backstory Ever since I was in college, I have loved using skincare. I am the darkest and the not-so-glass skin in the family. That’s why it became part of my insecurities. Even though my friends told me I already have naturally clear and smooth skin, I always wanted to get my skin lighter and smoother. Challenges I struggled to improve myself because my siblings are fair, and I have a Morena skin tone. Having fair skin was considered beautiful while growing up, so I felt underappreciated. Using whitening products like glutathione and Kojic acid was popular during those times. But now, I am embracing my skin tone and putting more love on myself. Nobody can fully love me but …

Booky Bae

Published by Kima Rodriguez

Life is full of unpredictable events and scenarios. I can’t tell why everything happened, but I know it is God’s will. Now I am writing because I have good news. As you can see in the picture, I received my employment ID. EMPLOYMENT ID!! 🤗 I am sharing with you that I have finally been hired and started working at Booky! I didn’t expect this to happen in my life, but for God’s plan and blessing, I knew this was all he wanted for me. When I got laid off, I cried and cried and thought, what if no company would accept me? What if I am unemployed forever? I started hating myself at that time, but things changed. I saw the job posting and wondered whether I should apply or just let it go. Thankfully, I did! Backstory My heart jumped when I received a call from HR about the initial interview schedule. I am so excited yet nervous because I know I am still in a sorrowful mode. The ones who interviewed me …

Something about 29th

Published by Kima Rodriguez

It’s been a while since my last post. It’s good to have a follow-up post, and maybe I can name this blog something about my life. I am writing now because I have something to share before I turn 29 on February 11. I am grateful for the year 2023. Who would have thought I could land a job right after transitioning to user experience, even though I only have the certification from Google UX Design? I am blessed in so many ways. We all are. I think we need to find that door to see ourselves. As mentioned, I landed a job as a UX researcher at an IT consulting agency. At first, I was so nervous and anxious. They are all great, with experience and from a computer field background, and they communicate well. But I was amazed by these people. They are all humble and welcoming. They didn’t make me feel that I was different. The culture is superb, with no hierarchy. They are all friendly and approachable, which makes the office …

How are you?

Published by Kima Rodriguez

“How are you?” A question rarely posed by those I hold dear and cherish. Lately, my anxiety has been on the rise, and I’ve been feeling down these past few days. While I know I should try to ignore it and not let it bother me, the relentless cycle of overthinking continues to haunt me. There are good days, but most are not. I find myself extremely vulnerable to the hurtful things people say about me. I often question whether I’m just overanalyzing, or if some individuals genuinely revel in meddling in others’ affairs. Nonetheless, in the face of all the challenges I’m enduring, I am determined not to be consumed by them. No one has the right to define who I am or limit my potential. They only know the fragments of my life that I choose to reveal. Most importantly, whatever they say is no longer my concern. I wholeheartedly believe in myself, my abilities, and my values.

Usernames

Published by Kima Rodriguez

Have you experienced difficulty in maintaining a brand identity specifically a personal brand? I always want to have my brand using my name, yet I suck at it. I want to use my name, but the universe doesn’t allow me because almost all my name combinations are taken. My name is common, and there is also a local artist who has the same name as mine. I have decided to stick to one username where all social media platforms are available, and free to open an account for that username. In this case, it is easier to build my brand with just one username for all platforms. I’ve faced this struggle like I don’t know if I should create a business name or somewhat unique without my name on it. But as someone who wants to have a personal brand to grow my career and to meet new people in the industry is all that I wanted. @kimarodri for Instagram, Twitter, Behance, and TikTok

One month later

Published by Kima Rodriguez

Do you believe that if you never stop thinking and continuously trust the process, something destined for you will come? Something that you’ve always waited for? I never give up. I always wake up each day and face the reality of my life. Someone who doesn’t have that significant achievement yet. Someone who is still finding the right way to see the light. I feel lost and don’t have a clear idea of what my mission is in this life. Time is running, the face is wrinkling, and the breath is weakening. I was so down last month. Something about 28? Feb 28, to be specific! Well, I don’t know what’s with 28, and I keep seeing it anywhere. But here is the funny and miraculous thing. Last month exactly February 28, I posted about rejections from different job opportunities I applied for. Since I’m a career shifter and the competition is high, I am slowly losing hope and wanting to stop trying – that feeling of questioning my knowledge and whole self. But every time …

I applied and got rejected, and it’s okay.

Published by Kima Rodriguez

My favorite month is about to end; whether I like it or not, I can’t do anything but accept and go with the flow of life. I’ve been surviving 2023 with a growth mindset; however, pressure kills my vibe. Looking back when 2023 just came in, but now the second month of 2023 is about to end, it hit me how time changes so fast. Why so fast? I’m scared that I might end up accomplishing nothing this year. I’m afraid that I won’t finish all my goals. Monthly check I’m starting a monthly check, and it’s the overall achievement and accomplishments I’ve made this month. I want to help myself to stay on track. I believe with this kind of mentality and accountability, I can realign my goals and system. This monthly check is the only way I can help myself by doing my best and becoming consistent in my agendas. Job hunting Since I finished my Google UX Specialization, I started to build up my portfolio using Behance and updated my resume. I …

Why User Experience?

Published by Kima Rodriguez

I’m constantly encountering this question whenever I’m communicating with recruiters during interviews or with colleagues and friends. One of my “common” (because I encounter it all the time) problems is that I don’t know what and where I’m good at. This is also why I look around to find my way. A road that I can turn to keep my engine moving and enjoy my journey. Love at first sight I stumbled upon user experience in the book The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman and vloggers, so I researched more about it, read articles, and attended courses and conferences. The good thing is that I’m enjoying it. At first, I was not fully committed because I was weighing things out. Still, as time went to by, I also realized that this was the kind of work I always dreamed about – working for products, doing research, collecting users’ insights, improving the outcomes and process, designing, and working with a team of creatives. I love that. Am I fit? As someone with a background in …

Something about 28th

Published by Kima Rodriguez

I’m turning 28 in a few days, and here I am, still in the same boat as before. I wonder where this pressure and fear come from, but I do feel that turning 28 in this state is not something that I wish about. I always overthink and ask myself these questions “What happened?”, “Is this the end?”, “Will I still be able to achieve my dreams?” and “Until when will I stay this way?” Turning 28 with no job, savings, or career is something that all people are scared about. I can’t blame anyone, though I know I am the only one responsible for my life. I am still lucky to live in a house with food to eat and water to drink. I’m a failure but a learner I failed in different scenarios in my life. I don’t know where it all starts, but from the very first, I don’t know what I want. When I entered college, I was undecided. I wanted a computer-related course, but then I took Biology because my parents …

Video Recording

Published by Kima Rodriguez

I was a shy type of person and not socially active, especially when doing video recordings. That’s why I prefer blogging over vlogging. My first attempt at video recording was when I tried to record my Watsons’ haul hehe, but I didn’t upload it nor keep it at all. Yesterday, I shot my first video recording answering three questions given by the company’s HR that I am applying to. Honestly, this is my weakness. Maybe I am not used to it because I only worked before in laboratories which doesn’t require much exposure. I spent like 3-4 hours of shooting and 15 minutes of editing. I am ready that my application might not be processed for the next step of the application. But, whatever the results, I am still grateful and happy because I did it! Like, Everything has their first time, and not everyone is excellent or expert in their first time. I know I can improve my skills, primarily if motivated to do so. I am happy that the company asked me to …