April’s Surprises

By: Kayla Tejero

 

Here comes April! This season marks so many changes – from the cold winter to the warm-ish Spring. This is the time when we see a beautiful landscape start forming. We see the green grass slowly showing up from the ground, and not to mention the spring flowers that are early bloomers. I always thought of April as the month that marks the time of renewal and growth. At this time of the year, the weather can be quite unpredictable. Some days are sunny, but other days are rainy, requiring us to use our umbrellas. Nevertheless, the showers in April help nourish and prepare our flowers in May to bloom. I always love to see the tulips in my mother’s garden bloom. It’s beautiful to see the many colors of flowers welcoming me every time I pull into the driveway. The impending bloom of the flowers reminds us how we are always evolving and growing each day. Sometimes, in life, there are little things that matter, and they are reminders of how truly blessed we are. There are also things that surprise us. One thing I learned lately is embracing what comes your way, and that is keeping what is positive or what makes you happy and letting go on things that don’t add value to yourself. Let us hear about our features for the month of April!

Kenda says, “I wanted to be successful in life. I had to take a different path since the path set out for me was not for me.”

Sissi says, “This year, I’m learning about how Chicago non-profits and local organizations drive social impact. By volunteering with them, I get to see the positive community feedback as well as how these organizations operate to sustain themselves. I hope to help create similarly organized change in the way we deliver mental healthcare, especially in underserved communities. Currently, I’m a digital designer but plan to pursue a Master’s in social work!”

Krista says, “I’m currently working as a licensed clinical professional counselor and getting my doctorate in clinical psychology. I’m working on opening my own private practice that focuses on trauma and healing. I hope to serve the Asian population in my community and promote growth and healing from intergenerational trauma and the difficult experiences that many people go through growing up in an Asian household.”

Jordelle says, “I’m an Asian-American graduating college this May, and all I want to do once I get out into the world is tell stories. Whether it’s largely relatable experiences I find important, or the smallest, most unique stories, I hope to shed light on them! Many of the stories I want to tell are inspired by my family in the Philippines, especially my mom. I hope to inspire other people to find stories in their cultures worth telling or learning about, and for people and women just like me to know they can do whatever they dream to do.”

 

Kenda, Graduate
UIC Chicago
BS Criminal Law and Justice

Sissi Zhu
University of Toronto
BS Psychology

Krista, Third Year
The Chicago School
of Clinical Psychology
Doctorate Clinical Psychology

Jordelle, Senior
University of Miami
BS Honors Communication and Motion Pictures Production