Myles

My name is Myla Marie Sayco Cook, and I was born in July 1973 in Cubao, Quezon City, Philippines. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. While I was waiting for the results of my nursing board examination, I decided to work at a typesetting company, where I learned to create and format resumes, formal letters, business cards, flyers, calendars, and more. After a few years, I found a position at a research company based at the University of the Philippines. Before migrating to the United States, I worked for several months as a nurse at the Scandinavian Children’s Mission in the Philippines. After arriving in the U.S. in 2004, I initially worked at a check-cashing store and later at Valley Podiatry in Stockton, CA. I worked alongside three doctors, beginning as a temporary employee before quickly transitioning to a full-time position. I first worked at the front desk and then became the billing specialist within a year. From 2011 to 2012, my then-husband and I took over a business in Hollister, CA—a residential facility for the intellectually disabled. When we started, we had four residents, but the business grew to accommodate eight more residents, allowing us to be grandfathered in with that many residents at one facility. In 2018, we acquired another facility with six residents, and both facilities are located just 5-7 minutes apart. The growth of the business was achieved through hard work and countless sleepless nights. As the eldest child in my family, I have a biological son and two daughters from my marriage. All three are now adults, and my two daughters have their own families. Currently, I am going through a divorce and have been removed from the company despite my significant contributions to its success. I enjoy cooking, singing (though not very well), dancing, and taking pictures of places and restaurants I've visited, as well as writing reviews about them. One day, I decided to post on Google Maps without any expectations, and now my contributions have received more than 100,000 views. Having transitioned from being a regular employee to a business owner, I now find myself redefining my life and goals due to the divorce. My ex-husband has chosen to exclude me from the business we built together. As I navigate this significant life challenge, I am focused on reclaiming my independence and exploring new paths, including learning new skills through Real Success.