Bold Stripes, Bright Stars, Brave Hearts

By: Kayla Tejero

 

Happy 4th of July! This month we remember the country’s fight for freedom and the ultimate Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress. I am sure many of us found ourselves spending time with family, barbecuing, and watching the beautiful fireworks. It feels so good to be able to spend quality time with friends and family without the fear of the coronavirus. As this month marks the middle of the summer, it always amazes me how fast the time passes by and many memories are created. This December, I will be graduating with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. It seems like just yesterday I was at my freshman orientation. I still vividly remember that day. I am in no hurry to start school, and am still enjoying the summer. I have been spending time with friends and family, going to the gym, and of course, working. In regards to singing, I am looking forward to singing the National Anthem at the historic 50th Annual Puerto Rican Festival in Aurora, IL. It is heartwarming to be singing at this festival because in 2012, I joined their talent competition. It was the first competition I ever joined and won. It definitely is one of the highlights of my singing career and the start of it. Let us hear from our four featured college students.

Jubilee Woo says, “As an Asian-American college student, I would like to break the stereotypes that are implemented upon our ethnicity and race such as being smart, heavily grades focused, try-hards when it comes to academics and social life. I have dealt with my mental health along with adjusting to college after COVID. I have faced the odds by being myself and breaking the stereotypes with those I have met at college. An example of this is when I was struggling with my grades due to my mental health and my peers were surprised that I wasn’t doing well in school because of my race. Overall, I would like to be an example that it is okay to not meet the standards that our stereotypes put upon us and that being ourselves is the best thing to do as we navigate our way through young adulthood.”

Alexander Le says, “Some things I would like to do by the time I finish my undergraduate is to compete in a round net and table tennis competition. In all seriousness, I feel like as students, we are all so wrapped up and focused in our studies or careers that we forget that it’s okay to put away some time in leisurely activities. After graduation, I hope to make my parents proud so I won’t get hit with a bamboo stick.”

Justin Valencia says, “I want to earn a master’s degree in computer engineering at UIC. The upcoming fall semester will mark my third year at this university. Currently, I am interning at an automatic door company to understand how the operation works. In the future, I plan to open up my own automatic door company in Illinois and in the Philippines.”

Phuong Pham says, “My goal while in school is to become a better applicant for medical school, explore all opportunities that can help me become a better person and a better student, and to educate others about my experiences and what I would’ve done differently to help them avoid my mistakes. After graduating, I hope to be accepted into medical school or at least secure a job to continue studying to become an applicant for medical school. My end goal is to become an anesthesiologist.”

Jubilee Woo, Junior
BA Psychology
Northern Illinois University

Alexander Le, Senior
BS Exercise Science
Aurora University

Justin Valencia, Junior
BS Computer Science
University of Illinois at Chicago

Phuong Pham, First Year
MS Medical Lab Science
Loyola University Chicago