Young Asian-Americans on Campus

By: Kayla Tejero

 

Wishing everyone a very Happy October! I feel like we did not have any transition from summer to fall. One day it was sunny and in the 80s, and the next morning it was in the mid-40s! As the weather starts to become colder, I am sure many of us will find ourselves dressed and staying comfy in cozy sweaters and boots. Fall brings out beauty, not only of the color-changing trees, or the breeze, but mostly because it is another season to just think of how else can we bring out the best in us. And yes – Fall is the season that calls for pumpkin patch trips, apple-picking or even getting lost in a corn maze if that makes you feel good again. Additionally, we look forward to celebrating Halloween at the end of this month. Never too old for this tradition. Surely enough, it will be so nice to see everyone, young and old in their best costumes.

October is also the time to celebrate the Filipino American History Month (FAHM). This is just the time for us to be reminded of all of our positive impact in American society. I am sure there will be lots of activities across America. As a Filipino-American, I will celebrate FAHM in my solitude, with prayers for peace and harmony among each other, among families and countries. I pray that every Filipino American will receive peace and share that peace to others. We can only grow as a race when we share what makes us all happy and content. So – share that peace, teach everyone to be in harmony with one another. My featured college students for this month are all interesting people – let’s hear what they say about being a young Asian American.

Megan Montinola says, “I am currently a sophomore studying Biomedical Engineering at the University of Illinois at Chicago. As an Asian American student some of my goals include diversity, representation, and progression. Asian-American women are underrepresented in the engineering world, and I believe that it is beneficial to be able to bridge different cultures together to innovate improved ideas for the future.”

Garrett Munz says, “My goals for the remainder of college include playing live shows at venues around Chicago. I want to inspire both musicians and listeners with my music, and contribute what I can to the thriving music scene in Chicago. After college, I plan on staying in the city for a year, to expand on my network and pursue certification in yoga practice. After that I plan to pursue a graduate performance or composition degree in New York.”

Faith Carpenter says, “Right now, I’m focusing on building my education and career. My main goal after graduation is to gain more independence by moving out and being financially stable.”

Faith Buralli says, “I want to accomplish getting my teaching degree and become a music teacher. I’d like to be a band director/orchestra director that teaches at a middle school.”

Megan Montinola, Sophomore
BS Biomedical Engineering
University of Illinois at Chicago

Garrett Munz, Sophomore
BA Jazz Saxophone/Philosophy
DePaul University

Faith Carpenter, Sophomore
BS Nursing
Rasmussen College

Faith Buralli, Sophomore
BS Music Education
Saint Xavier University