Backstory

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At a very young age, Callie was already familiar with the waves. A fearless child. She was born in Seoul, South Korea but originally lived in Gangwon, South Korea where there were beautiful bodies of water. Born to two loving parents— a Filipina mother, Cassandra Villanueva and Korean father, Lee Daesung (이대성), who were doctors by profession. Calliope was well loved and cared for by her grandparents. Until one day, her parents decided to take her with them to Manila, Philippines as they were being dispatched there. All along, Callie knew she longs for the sea. They’d go on beach trips every once in a while but it was still different from when she used to live near it. The sound of the water, the morning breeze, the warm sand, fresh fruit— she longed for all of it.She studied at a private school in Makati throughout elementary and soon transferred to University of Santo Tomas for high school. Competitive swimming was something she grew fond of during elementary through high school. Calliope’s parents are doctors who work at St. Luke’s Hospital, so naturally, people thought she’d follow their path. But the sound of waves splashing was louder than their footsteps. So when the time to choose her program came, Callie chose something that will bring her closer and dive deeper to the surface of the waters. She is currently studying BS Biology, Majoring in Environmental Biology— still at the University of Santo Tomas.Ever since college started, Callie dorms in España, Manila in a condominium that her parents gifted her when she turned eighteen. And on her twentieth birthday, she got a car. During her free time she swims at the pool amenities her condominium offers, even during hell weeks, Callie lets herself swim so she doesn’t lose momentum. She wanted to focus on her studies during college so her competitive swimming sport came to a halt. It was something she did to pass time anyways, but surprisingly she did very well and won multiple awards from different places.One summer, Callie decided to try freediving in Australia. The silence under the water gave her a sense of peace. It was like the pressure acted as a security blanket. She loved getting close to the schools of fish— feeling them swim beside her, the color they build together. She loved the Pink Maomaos. Literally, the deep waters are far more beautiful than what we see on the surface.Even though Callie lived a well-off comfortable life, she always found purpose in helping people. With her mother being a Pediatrician and her father a specialist in Internal Medicine, their family was always off to medical missions in different provinces. She spent seasons around the country. But it was the waters that remained familiar to her. Every mission she’d make sure to have quick swim.After graduation, she wishes to travel the waters of the world and discover the beauty of nature under the waters. Callie can’t wait to explore the world more. Her profession will truly open doors to rooms she didn’t even imagine entering.

Pre-established

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