Content creator Mama Lulu looks back on 'rewarding' journey as a nursing assistant
TikTok star Mama Lulu opened up about her time as a nursing assistant and hospice caregiver in the US, describing the journey as both "rewarding" and "tough"—one she "wouldn't change for anything."
In a Facebook post, the matriarch of the Filipino-American content creator family otakoyakisoba reflected on her time working as a nursing assistant to support her husband during his dialysis treatment and provide for their children.
She recalled the challenges she faced after moving to the United States and how they ultimately led her to pursue a career in healthcare.
"After moving from the Philippines to the US, I worked retail part-time. A co-worker who became my best friend referred me to work at the Department of Labor in San Francisco. I pretended I knew how to type. Fake it until you make it. Unfortunately, 9/11 happened. I got laid off," she continued.
"So I thought, why not become what I always wanted to do? I had to study and get my certification to become a nursing assistant. I relied on my unemployment checks for my tuition fee. Just imagine 30-plus years of being a housewife and catering food. It was a tough change. I was a single Mom in a foreign country," Mama Lulu added.
The 68-year-old TikTok creator then shared how she eventually found her calling in caregiving.
"Instead of moving up as a registered nurse, I chose to become a caregiver instead mostly for hospice patients. Eventually, my husband passed. My body also gave out physically, so I had to stop," she said.
"Regardless of the challenges, I wouldn’t change the experience for anything," she concluded.
Mama Lulu is the matriarch of otakoyakisoba, which bills itself as "Your favorite family of Eedjiots." The family is known for sharing humorous hot takes on a wide range of topics, cooking Filipino food, and giving viewers a glimpse into their life in California. Mama Lulu has also become beloved for her unwavering support of the LGBTQIA+ community.
She was also among the ARMY who attended BTS' Arirang show in the US last May.
