Global & Cultural Outreach
Study Abroad at the University of Barcelona
The summer going into my senior year I embarked on the inaugural cohort for the UCF Barcelona Center program studying Introduction to Human Disease. During my semester studying abroad, I was immersed in the beautiful Spanish culture. At the same time, I also examined the intricacies of the healthcare field from a global perspective by visiting research facilities, hospitals, and seminars. Viewing healthcare from a global lens fascinated me.
I am someone who prides myself on having an affinity for content creation through a variety of mediums like photography, videography, and graphic design. I took this opportunity to combine my creative eye and passion for learning about medicine to create art. At each clinic, lab, and facility we visited, I took the chance to document my personal experience in video blogs. I captured the groundbreaking genomic research in the drosophila labs. I also listened to the inspiring team of clinicians who were on the frontlines battling the Covid-19 pandemic. Each video captured different and intriguing aspects of medicine. I shared these video blogs with the class. The videos were the talk of the trip and eventually landed me a research assistant position on the “Sex Cafe Podcast”
Gawad Kalinga USA
Next Gen (GK USA)
Gawad Kalinga in English translates to “give care”. GK USA is a nonprofit organization aimed to uplift those in poverty in the Philippines through a variety of programs. These programs include but are not limited to homebuilding, feeding programs, youth empowerment through sports, and health interventions.
GK USA Next Gen is a new branch of the organization that cultivates a cultural connection through philanthropic work for students and young professionals. I aim to provide young aspiring leaders with the tools to polish their professional development skills while engaging in meaningful service work. I believe the best lessons are taught outside of the classroom. I tend to continue my work with this organization as I pursue medicine to build upon their health intervention programs.
FSA UCF x GK USA Collegiate Summit
This past year, I was able to host the very first FSA UCF x GK USA Collegiate summit. We invited sister FSA organizations all across Florida, local grassroots organizations, and GK USA representatives all across the nation to come together to find ways to alleviate poverty in the Philippines. The overlying theme of the conference was “Breaking Down Barriers”.
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Event Highlights:
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Over 100 attendees from all over the nation
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Collectively raised over $1k for GK USA
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Featured on one of the largest news networks of the Philippines
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Recognized by the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Washington, D.C.
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Filipino Student Association at the University of Central Florida (FSA UCF)
I had the privilege to serve on the FSA board for two years as media co-director and president. During my term of presidency, we collaborated with Student Government to give our members $1k worth of scholarships, our dance team won 1st place at Def Talent Jam and 2nd at Philfest Revolution, we held the first in-person Sayaw in 3 years and were awarded the organization of the year from the Asian Pacific American Coalition. My terms really brought me closer to my culture and taught me a lot about resilience, not being afraid to explore different methods, and leading by example.
Cultural Filipino Dance
Prior to joining this organization I had no dance experience and could never see myself performing on a stage in front of hundreds of people.
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In my freshman year I took the stage for the first time with Fresh Off the Beat at Def Talent Jam, a statewide collegiate dance competition with the 9 Filipino-affiliated organizations in Florida. After months of practicing, hardwork, and determination we won 3rd place at the competition. This team taught me a lot about grit and the importance of having a strong team dynamic.
During my officership I had the pleasure of executing two Sayaw Showcases. "Sayaw" translates to "to dance" and is the Filipino Student Association's biggest event every year which highlights a wide variety of traditional Filipino dances and gathers over 200 in attendance.
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One of my proudest moments was choreographing my first cultural piece, Pandanggo sa Illaw. Perfecting the dance took over 50 hours of practice with many long nights. The experience allowed me to polish my leadership skills and in a creative setting.
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This cultural dance troupe really pushed me outside of my comfort zone to explore new creative outlets I was often discouraged to venture, and discover new hidden talents I did not know that I even had.
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Mentorship
FSA UCF has a mentorship program called Ate-Kuya-Ading. This program pairs upperclassman to incoming freshman and transfer students based on similar interests and major.
I had the joy of mentoring 7 incoming freshman. College is a journey many go on to learn more about themselves. For many, like myself, it meant exploring the depths of my cultural identity in order to feel more in connected to my roots. As a mentor I was able to assist my mentees to learn more about their cultural roots as Filipino by finding areas of FSA that they resonated most with whether it be dance, sports, or community service. Moreover, I assisted those who shared the same major as myself to pick classes, form study groups, and find opportunities related to their career path.
It was so rewarding to see my mentees blossom and come out of their shell as they grew a deeper connection with their culture and excel in the majors.
Asian American Pacific Coalition at the University of Central Florida
(APAC UCF)
The Asian Pacific American Coalition at the University of Central Florida aims to amplify the Asian American experience and educate others on various aspects of the Asian identity on campus.
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During my time within this organization , I served as the Public Relations Director and Bright Beginnings Director. As the Public Relations Director, I assisted in hosting events on campus regarding social and political topics surrounding the Asian American experience. We needed to provide a safe space for students to engage in meaningful discourse. As the Bright Beginnings Director, I aided ins spearheading the very first freshman welcome week with the 16 affiliated Asian organizations to make the transition from high school to college much easier. for those new to the school.
Sparks Magazine at the University of Central Florida
Sparks magazine fosters the understanding and experience of the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Community through creative expression. The publication really strives to uplift and amplify Asian American creatives. During my time at Sparks Magazine I served as a Writer, Graphic Designer, and Public Relations Commmittee member. I had the opportunity to publish my own article "Forming a Bridge Between Worlds: The Intricacies of Interacial Dating". I also created spreads for the centerfold piece "A Love Language For Us: The Language of Food" as well are "Animosity Within Culture: Are We Our Own?".
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This organization really pushed me outside of my creative comfort zone and exlpore different creative mediums like graphic design. Since the, I have continued to polish my craft through other student organization projections and my reaserch at the Sex Cafe Podcast.
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