September Marks The End of Summer

By: Kayla Tejero

 

Happy September! As I write this article, I am currently embarking on my European tour. We start our trip in Italy and will visit other areas in Italy such as Rome, Milan and Lake Como. We will also visit Santorini and Mykonos in Greece and Kusadasi, Turkey. If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my humble twenty five years of life, it’s that life is so short. In the USA I feel like everything is always rushed and we work to live. This is contrary to the lifestyle in other areas of the world such as Europe where there is an emphasis on “living” and enjoying the moment. I feel like this is vast difference in lifestyle and mindset that is why time goes by so slow here! Nevertheless, I will enjoy every moment. This month is noted for a few special dates such as 9/11 and Labor day. Let us remember the lives lost on such a tragic day in history. Let us also honor and recognize the contributions and achievements of American workers with an extra long weekend. Woo hoo! The month of September also makes the end of summer. Weather should helpfully become a little cooler, with leaves changing and we officially start the transition from summer to Autumn. Kids go back to school and start up their regular routines and for those of us already established in our careers, it’s just another day. Let us hear from our four features of the month!
Gabbie says, “As an Asian American, I want to build a successful future, while staying true to myself and my culture. I hope to use my personal experiences to inspire future generations
to be proud of who they are and to never give up on their goals.”
Joyce says, “As a Filipino American immigrant and founder of The Leadership Voice Studio, I want to help more immigrant and multicultural professionals find their voice, be seen for the value they bring, and lead without feeling they have to leave parts of themselves behind. I’m also building our Studio in The Loop as a physical safe space and third space—somewhere people can step outside the pressures of home and work to reflect, practice, connect, and grow into how they want to show up in the world.
Ultimately, I hope my work helps create greater representation for Asian Americans in leadership and makes it easier for the next generation
to take up space with confidence and a sense of belonging.
Gabriella says, “As an Asian American young professional, I want to build a meaningful career while staying true to my mixed Asian American identity. I hope I can help inspire other Asian Americans to be bold enough to pursue the careers and lives they truly want, even if those choices may differ from their family’s expectations. I hope to use my experiences to give back to my community and help keep Asian American culture and traditions alive for future generations.”
Carmela says, “As an Asian American college graduate and young adult, I wanted to be the first generation in my family to complete college and become a nurse. I want to continue working in the psych/mental health field to hopefully bring more awareness, understanding, empathy, and grace that isn’t always present or given within our culture and in society. I want to help educate and encourage mental health to be taken as serious as physical health!”

Gabriela, Junior
Kingwood High School
BS Business

Joyce, MCC
Leadership & Executive
Communication Coach
Founder, The Leadership Voice Studio – The Loop, Chicago

Gabriella, Graduate
University of Illinois
at Chicago
MS Business Analytics

Carmela, Graduate
COD/ Purdue Northwest
BS Nursing