I had the privilege of serving as FASA's Historian for the 2017-18 school year, which was an especially important year because 2017 marked 100 years since the first Filipino organization was founded on campus. Being an officer wasn't easy - but it was a fulfilling experience that became a key part of my university career. Below is my reflection after my term as Historian.
The OMA&D’s 50th Anniversary Exhibit at the Allen Library highlighted the work that students have done over the years to make the UW a more diverse and equitable place. Amidst the pictures of leaders, activists, and important figures in history, was a picture of familiar faces - me and my fellow 2017-18 Filipino American Student Association officers. Seeing this picture, towards the end of my term as FASA’s Historian, was profound. As Historian, I worked on projects and taught lessons about history, but seeing a picture of me and my team in this historical exhibit reminded me what an honor it is to have this opportunity and be part of such a rich legacy. In fact, I write this reflection the same day a plaque was installed at the HUB to recognize the 100 years FIlipino and Filipino American organizations have been on campus. This plaque is one part of the year-long centennial celebration of Filipino and Filipino American presence on campus. My time helping lead an organization during such an important year is truly one of the most impactful experiences of my college career.
Looking back at my original application for this Experiential Learning Project, I seemed to have a good understanding of what I would do throughout the year, as well as the things I could learn in the year. I did not realize then, though, how deeply I would learn and grow in these skills. I filled out the application in autumn, after a summer full of meetings and planning. I think this highlights the importance of preparation. It was not easy meeting every week in the summer, with me either having to commute to campus or battle with Philippine internet speeds to video call into the meeting. However, this preparation gave me a solid grasp of what to expect during the year. Additionally, I was able to learn from more experienced officers about the things to consider when planning events. Over the course of the year though, I learned that no matter how much you plan, there will still be times when you have to think on your feet. I said in my application that I hoped to gain skills in quick-thinking and improvisation. Helping put on events with hundreds of people, it’s almost inevitable that something won’t go according to plan. Usually it’s just small details, but in high-stress situations like a large dance, small deviations from the plan can cause stress and panic. I learned that it’s important to maintain grace under pressure - to not get fixated on the problem and instead find the different ways to still put on a high-quality event.
I also learned that while my role as Historian is responsible for specific projects and duties, my role as a part of a team is equally important. In the application, I discussed my Filipino American History Month project. For this, I projected a historical image over a current FASA member who connected to that image in some way. I’m proud that my project for FAHM was able to connect current members to history, and to show that history is a part of who we are and how we can face the future. In addition to this project, I also taught Historian Corners at general meetings and curated an art exhibit at Filipino Night. These projects that I was specifically responsible for taught me that creativity is important to engage with people. History has always been important to me, but for some who may not be interested, sometimes a variety of creative approaches allows them to better appreciate history. Aside from my specific duties, I learned that a big part of this year was to be a part of a team. With so much programming this year, it was important for all officers to support one another, be it logistically or emotionally. In my application, I talked about wanting to improve time-management, stress-management, and self care skills. I’m glad that I was able to improve in these skills, as well as be able to support some of my fellow officers when they were going through difficult situations.
I also learned that while my role as Historian is responsible for specific projects and duties, my role as a part of a team is equally important. In the application, I discussed my Filipino American History Month project. For this, I projected a historical image over a current FASA member who connected to that image in some way. I’m proud that my project for FAHM was able to connect current members to history, and to show that history is a part of who we are and how we can face the future. In addition to this project, I also taught Historian Corners at general meetings and curated an art exhibit at Filipino Night. These projects that I was specifically responsible for taught me that creativity is important to engage with people. History has always been important to me, but for some who may not be interested, sometimes a variety of creative approaches allows them to better appreciate history. Aside from my specific duties, I learned that a big part of this year was to be a part of a team. With so much programming this year, it was important for all officers to support one another, be it logistically or emotionally. In my application, I talked about wanting to improve time-management, stress-management, and self care skills. I’m glad that I was able to improve in these skills, as well as be able to support some of my fellow officers when they were going through difficult situations.
My experience with FASA has also taught me to be more aware of certain political and social issues. FASA is an organization that tries to keep members politically engaged and socially aware. Being a part of its leadership required me to do my research and have critical conversations about things such as privilege, intersectionality, and cultural appropriation. These are topics and lessons that I will take with me in the future, both personally and in my career. I hope to do work in international development, and from what I’ve learned through FASA, working in development would require me to think critically about the work I’m doing and examine if the impact I’m making is actually uplifting people. FASA’s efforts to talk colonialism and its lasting oppressive structures make me think more critically about systems and organizations that I may have to work with if I go into development work.
Moving forward, I will carry the lessons and experiences with me. Although I will not be an officer for FASA next year due to a year-long exchange program, I will stay connected to FASA and maybe even explore the Filipino organization at my host university. When I study in Singapore next year, I will be curious to explore what the Filipino diaspora there is like. I would also be curious to have conversations about things like cultural appropriation and privilege in a different environment. Because of my experience with FASA, in the future, I have a better grasp of my strengths and weaknesses. I know now that I can remain calm in high pressure, and that I can use this to support others. I also know that although I prefer working on my projects alone, I could improve in setting up a support team or encouraging others to participate. There’s value in having others participate and helping them develop their skills. I may have to push myself more, but now that I have some more leadership experience, I could further grow by helping others grow.
My experience as FASA sa UW’s Historian has shaped my Sophomore year, and college experience tremendously. It brings me great pride to be part of the 100-year legacy of Filipino and Filipino American organizations on campus. I’ve grown as a leader, and as an individual, because of this role. Because of this year, I face the future with more confidence.
Moving forward, I will carry the lessons and experiences with me. Although I will not be an officer for FASA next year due to a year-long exchange program, I will stay connected to FASA and maybe even explore the Filipino organization at my host university. When I study in Singapore next year, I will be curious to explore what the Filipino diaspora there is like. I would also be curious to have conversations about things like cultural appropriation and privilege in a different environment. Because of my experience with FASA, in the future, I have a better grasp of my strengths and weaknesses. I know now that I can remain calm in high pressure, and that I can use this to support others. I also know that although I prefer working on my projects alone, I could improve in setting up a support team or encouraging others to participate. There’s value in having others participate and helping them develop their skills. I may have to push myself more, but now that I have some more leadership experience, I could further grow by helping others grow.
My experience as FASA sa UW’s Historian has shaped my Sophomore year, and college experience tremendously. It brings me great pride to be part of the 100-year legacy of Filipino and Filipino American organizations on campus. I’ve grown as a leader, and as an individual, because of this role. Because of this year, I face the future with more confidence.
The section below was written in 2017, at the end of my freshman year.
One of the first organisations I joined was the Filipino American Student Association. I came to the first meeting initially thinking that the organisation was mostly aimed at American-born people with Filipino heritage. I thought that I wouldn't exactly fit in because I felt like my upbringing was always different from other Filipinos or Filipino Americans I've met before. Nevertheless, I decided to go to the meetings, and eventually found a great community that I enjoy being a part of. I realised that pretty much everyone has different experiences, but despite those differences, we still have many similarities that connect and allow us to appreciate each other's differences.
One of the reasons that kept me coming to the FASA meetings was the dialog regarding colonialism and civil rights. The picture above was an activity where we shared the different ways we've experienced colonialism. In these activities, I actually learned that compared to others, my upbringing was quite progressive. For example, my parents never made me stop playing outside just because I would get dark. Neither was I ever embarrased to speak Filipino or bring Filipino food to school. Because of this upbringing, I used to be critical of people who did not teach their kids Filipino or first-generation immigrants who, after spending a few years in the US, seemed to completely forget their roots. Since I was able to resist a lot of colonialist ideas, why can't others? After taking part in FASA's discussions about colonial mentality and listening to people's stories, I became more sensitive and aware of the influence of colonialism.