Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice

By: Kayla Tejero

 

Family, turkeys, and gratitude are the three words that come to mind when I think of November. Last month, we celebrated Halloween. With COVID 19 slowing down, it was refreshing to see a lot of the kids and their families trick or treating around the neighborhood. This month, we will celebrate Thanksgiving! This is the time that we spend special moments with family, taking a break from the many demands of life, and reflecting on what we are grateful for in life. The weather is becoming very cold, and I can’t help but find myself curling up near the fireplace, in a sweater, drinking a cup of hot chocolate. School has been so incredibly busy, but reaching this far reminds me, among my fellow college students, that winter break and the end of the semester is fast approaching. Soon, we will be done! Speaking of our fellow college students, let us hear about their dreams and aspirations after college!

Rydell Tecson says, “As a Filipino-American student, I feel as if it is vital to build connections with others and to take my studies seriously. I hope to develop meaningful relationships with my peers and participate in several nursing-related events to gain familiarity with working in the medical field. After graduation, I hope to put my knowledge to use and treat my patients with the utmost care. Showing others the amount of work I have put into my studies and showing what Filipino American students can do is my goal.

PJ Lagahid says, “My current priorities are to maintain my fitness, continuing my education, and fulfilling any duties and responsibilities from the Army. Additionally, I’m always seeking out challenges (so far it has only been challenging with classwork because…college). By prioritizing these aspects, it helps me keep track with my goals after graduation. My main goal is to become either a personal trainer or group fitness instructor while also being in the United States Army National Guard for as long as I can or would like to be in.”

Marlon Gabriel Bernardo says, “As a Filipino American, I dream of excelling in my education to become a sports physical therapist working with professional sports teams. Later in my career, I aspire to run my own physical therapy clinic providing the best quality care for all that need it. Through God, ambition, and dedication, I will go beyond my biggest goals and aspirations.”

Adrienne Agustin says, “Growing up as a first generation Filipino-American student, I’ve had to open doors I never thought I’d be able to open. I was no “model minority” nor did I have all the keys to step foot past these doorways, but nevertheless, I persisted with family and friends supporting me. I am the key to my own success and becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner is a new door in my journey, and it is one that I am working towards opening.”

Rydell Tecson, Sophomore
BS Nursing
Aurora University

PJ Lagahid, Sophomore
BS Kinesiology
Northern Illinois University

Marlon Gabriel Bernardo, Junior
BS Health Sciences
Northern Illinois University

Adrianne Junelle Dantes Agustin, Junior
BS Nursing
Aurora University