Lucky, Blessed, and All The Rest

By: Kayla Tejero

 

2025 goes faster that I thought! I cannot believe it is already the third month of the year. We are three months in, meaning we are 25% of the way done with this year. It seems just like yesterday we celebrated New Year’s Day! This month, we celebrate the International Women’s Day on the 8th, St. Patrick’s on the 18th, and welcoming the month of spring towards the end of March. Let us recognize the important women in our life, whether it be our mothers, grandmothers and even friends. Overall, let us celebrate women in general and the many accomplishments we’ve made throughout the years. As a young woman myself, I know there are struggles – in the family, our jobs, relationships, and out in the community. But I know there are triumphs as well. Being woman enables me to rise above the challenges. We make good decisions, we weigh things out, we embrace positivity and are resilient. That makes us women – strong and empowered!

As we celebrate St. Patty’s, let us eat and enjoy Irish food like cabbage and corned beef, attending parades, and of course, wearing green. It will be so fun to witness the river in Chicago being dyed shamrock colored green! I’m sure most of us are tired of the cold. I can’t wait for the transition from short cold winter days to turn into longer and warm spring days. This means a few more months until summer. Let us hear from our four features of the month.

Alyssa says, “In the next few years, I hope to be promoted as a Civil Engineer IV (CE IV) and eventually a Civil Engineer V (CE V) at the Illinois Department of Transportation, where I am currently working. Since graduating from UIC in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, I have worked hard to achieve my licensure as a Professional Engineer and have aided those who are on the journey to their own licensure. I aspire to provide the State of Illinois with efficient and safe roads for travel, as well as provide for my future family.”

Maya says, “I want to accomplish being happy with what I pursue in my future such as having a happy life meaning. To not only take things for granted but to live with joy and happiness. Whether that may be my family, friends, or other things surrounding myself is the most important thing.”

Kim says, “I am a performing artist based in NYC. I grew up in Wisconsin, went to college and began my career in CA, then moved to NYC to pursue acting. I am now a full time actor on screen and stage. Here are some of my current Spring 2025 projects that I’m excited about – Theatre: THE MONKEY KING, A KUNG FU MUSICAL and ANGEL IN THE ASHES, a world premier; TV/FILM: an upcoming Feature Film & TV Pilot TBA! THE MONKEY KING, A KUNG FU MUSICAL is a modern twist on the ancient Chinese legend from “Journey to the West” in which I play the first ever female Monkey King! I am a proud member of National Asian Artists Project, Magis Theatre Co, AEA & SAGAFTRA. I am also the former Artistic Director, where I continue to coach singers and actors at MSTDA in Manhattan.”

Van says, “ I would like to make America notice that Filipinos can also go toe to toe with actors in Hollywood and Broadway when it comes to the quality of roles and the competency of talent.”

Van, Professional
Moody Bible Institute
BA Communications

Kim, Professional
Mills College
BA Vocal and Dance Performance

Maya, Junior
Florida Atlantic University
BS Marketing

Alyssa, Professional
BS Civil Engineering
University of Illinois Chicago