A Merry and Bright Time of the Year

By: Kayla Tejero

 

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! The sights of ornaments, holiday colors of red, silver, gold and green, and the lighted houses and streets – all fill the air! This month, we look forward to another important event, which is actually one of my favorite holidays of the year – and this is celebrating with family and the birth of Jesus Christ. At the end of this month we will find ourselves enjoying a humble and nutritious
meal, gathering with our loved ones and exchanging gifts, wearing our best holiday clothes and going to church for a prayerful moment. I can’t wait to spend quality time with family and engage in holiday activities like decorating the Christmas tree, going ice skating and baking cookies! It is definitely the time to spread love and cheer. It is also the time to fill our hearts with joy and peace! I always believe that Christmas inspires the world to renew our spirits with humility. This month also marks the end of the year. Can you believe it? Soon, we will be welcoming
in the new year of 2025. It’s time to set our new year’s resolutions, and to start off the new year strong, focused and determined. Let’s hear it from our featured young Asian Americans!

Michael says, “When I was in college, I wanted to spend my time studying topics that I was passionate about. After graduating, my plans became a bit more concrete. Currently, I am undergoing an internship
at a museum. I plan to pursue my Masters and continue working in the museum field.“

Janell says, “As an Asian American college graduate,
I want to strengthen and solidify my nursing skills and gain leadership positions, such as precepting and becoming a charge nurse. After a few years, I hope to further my education and nursing career and potentially pursue my doctorates.”

Olivia says, “I wanted to accomplish graduating with my bachelors degree in journalism and strategic communications. As an Asian American college student I wanted to fit in with everyone around me, and for the most part I did.”

Janice says, “As a practicing attorney and law firm owner for the past 10 years, I am so proud to see so many Asian Americans excelling in school and in many professions. However, Asian Americans, in particular Filipino Americans, are not as heavily represented in business and government. I hope that the talented Asian Americans coming after me will not only continue to excel in school but will continue to reach the highest levels of business success and government offices to ensure Asian interests are heard and protected.”

Michael, Graduate
BA Art History
University of Wisconsin – Madison

Janell, Graduate
BS Nursing
University of Iowa

Olivia, Graduate
BA Journalism
University of Missouri

Janice, Graduate
BS Public Studies
University of Chicago