Blooming With Excitement For April Showers

By: Kayla Tejero

 

H appy April! Towards the start of this month, we celebrated one of my favorite holidays, Easter! It was so fun seeing the Easter bunny, going to church, and commemorating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. I’m sure many of us spent time at church and with loved ones. For me, this month marks the start of spring and hopefully some warmer weather, soon! Most of our college students are enjoying their spring break and time off from school. Each month brings us something new and usually a special occasion to look forward to. As I reflect on the course of this year so far, I can’t help but be reminded that life is so short. We should spend each day as our last. If there’s any advice I’d give to younger me it would be to simply live life. This is something I would encourage to our young generation. We should not be afraid to pursue our goals and make our dreams a reality which can especially apply to our college students. Let us hear from our four features for this month!

Jaeya says, “My ultimate goal is to take my music dreams beyond myself, by pursuing a law degree to serve local Filipino/Filipino-American artists who lack adequate legal representation or resources. I’m also co-creating my own brand as a creative and culture bearer, as the class client for Monique Maye’s SXSW Artist Management Practicum class; and the co-director, with Cali Castillo, for Kapwa Chicago Vol. I @ the Jose Rizal Center, Chicago, IL on April 27th, 2024, 12-5 PM. After graduation, I plan to take a year off to study for the LSAT, gain more work experience, and reconnect with the Filipino-American creative community and Hip-Hop/Popping community in the Bay Area.”

Jonathan says, “While I am in college, I want to become more involved in Asian clubs and organizations. Currently, I am a member of the Asian American Association (AAA), Philippine Student Association (PSA), and the Southeast Asia Club. After I graduate, I still want to find ways to help and support Asian American students at NIU. One example could be giving an OHANA Night about m3 being an Asian American in the field of psychology or figuring out one’s identity when they are mixed race Asian American.”

Janelle says, “As an Asian American college graduate, my goal is to make a significant impact in diagnostic imaging, particularly in interventional radiology. Additionally, I aim to achieve financial stability through multiple passive income streams, including growing my fintech company, exploring angel funding, and diversifying into alternative investments.”

Bobby says, “As a first generation Asian American college student, my goal at University was to compete my degree while pushing myself to join various organizations that allowed me to gain unique experiences. My family sacrificed so much when immigrating to America, and I felt like I had to make the most of it. Since I’ve graduated, my goal is to become a CPA and curate a career in the business world.”

Jaeya, Senior
BA Recorded Music and Publishing
+ Double-Minor in Hip-Hop Studies
& Pre-Law Studies
Columbia College Chicago

Jonathan, Junior
BS Psychology
Northern Illinois University

Janelle, Graduate
MSc Radiology
Quantitative Finance/ Harris Health School of Diagnostic Imaging

Bobby, Graduate
BS Accounting
University of Illinois at Chicago