On October 16, 2020 at 3:30 pm, the other Filipino Culture Club (FCC) officers and I were eager to admit the waiting room zoom participants into our first club meeting of the school year! Little did we know of the unforgettable unpleasantries that awaited... Original Pinoy Music played as we allowed members into the meeting. Seconds later, one of the participants aggressively typed the 'n' and 'g' slurs in the chat, one played pornographic material, and the last stayed quiet until it was my turn to present. While I presented my “meet the officer'' slide, the moment I said "I love socializing with people, making people smile, and spreading positive vibes!", the zoom bomber attacked! They typed, word-for-word, "is it a part of filipino culture if I vote for Trump", "All lives matter", "Enrico aren't Filipinos Catholic, I didn't know you can be gay.” I want to destigmatize the LGBTQIA+ Philippine community. That's why I've been using any platform I have to educate myself and others, coming from a culture dating back years of LGBTQIA+ history and racial discrimination. I also try to incorporate LGBTQIA+/Filipino history and background in most, if not all, my extracurriculars in and out of school. For example, I discussed the intersex deity, Lakapati, with my FCC kapamilya and how the babaylan, made up of women and male crossdressers, used to hold a high social class in precolonial Philippine society. Another example is through my work with Diversify Our Narrative (DON), where we organizers advocated for fighting intolerance; I began a Filipino-American Heritage graphic series for DON community education! I am a very strong advocate for human rights and will do what I have to and more to maintain an atmosphere of love, support, tolerance, and inclusivity! My release potential is the world’s inheritance, and I get out what I put in. I wish to continue the legacy of years of hard work; from the efforts of Larry Itliong and Philip Vera-Cruz through the United Farm Workers Union to the work of modern-day Filipino activists. We would not be at such a point in history without the endeavors of activists from the past who served as vessels to catalyze change, reform, and progression. We continue to make our voices heard by perpetuating inclusive education. If we continue with these baby steps, we will not be a world of "possibly," but rather a world of endless possibility.

On October 16, 2020 at 3:30 pm, the other Filipino Culture Club (FCC) officers and I were eager to admit the waiting room zoom participants into our first club meeting of the school year! Little did we know of the unforgettable unpleasantries that awaited... Original Pinoy Music (OPM) played as we allowed members into the meeting. Seconds later, one of the participants aggressively typed the 'n' slur in the chat, one played pornographic material, and the last stayed quiet until it was my turn to present. While I presented my “meet the officer'' slide, the moment I said "I love socializing with people, making people smile, and spreading positive vibes!", the zoom bomber attacked! They typed, word-for-word, "is it a part of filipino culture if I vote for Trump", "All lives matter", "Wait nvm", "Enrico aren't Filipinos Catholic, I didn't know you can be gay.” Seeing these screenshots triggers me and makes me so frustrated; never angry, because I can never be angry with someone I know nothing about. That's why I've been using any platform I have to educate myself and others, coming from a culture dating back years of LGBTQIA+ history and racial discrimination. Being a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I do everything I can to make the campus environment comfortable and inclusive. I also try to incorporate LGBTQIA+/Filipino history and background in most, if not all, my extracurriculars inside and out of school. For example, I talked about the intersex deity, Lakapati, with my FCC kapamilya and how the babaylan, made up of women and male crossdressers, used to hold a high social class in pre colonial Philippine society. Another example is through my work with Diversify Our Narrative (DON), where all of us organizers advocated for fighting intolerance; I began a Filipino-American Heritage graphic series for DON community education! I was also part of the CJUHSD LGBTQIA+ Student Alliance, in which we shared our irksome experiences with other members of the community and allies, bringing forward ways we could support our community members on our school campuses, perpetuating a safe education and experience. I am a very strong advocate for human rights, so I will do exactly what I have and more to create and maintain an atmosphere of love, support, tolerance, and inclusivity! Now that I am a college student, I am surrounded by even more diversity that comes in many different forms. I have always been interested in the brain and the many applications, theories, and approaches regarding cognition; how did culture, religion, and social constructs shape the way language was developed, learned, and interpreted? As a cognitive science major specializing in language and culture, I am dedicating my life to immersing myself in the beauty of various cultures. The intellect I gain from my studies, and the college degree that comes with it, will allow me to understand how to better support culturally diverse communities, just like mine. My release potential is the world’s inheritance, and I get out what I put in. I wish to continue the legacy of years of hard work; from the work of Marsha P. Johnson through the Stonewall Riots, to the efforts of Larry Itliong and Philip Vera-Cruz through the United Farm Workers Union. We would not be at such a point in history without the endeavors of activists from the past who served as vessels to catalyze change, reform, and progression. We continue to make our voices heard by perpetuating inclusive, progressive education. If we continue with these baby steps, we will not be a world of *possibly*, but rather a world of endless possibility.

I have always been interested in the brain and the many applications, theories, and approaches regarding cognition; how did culture, religion, and social constructs shape the way language was developed, learned, and interpreted? As a cognitive science major specializing in language and culture, I am dedicating my life to immersing myself in the beauty of various cultures. The intellect I gain from my studies, and the college degree that comes with it, will allow me to understand how to better support culturally diverse communities, just like mine. Apart from the cultural aspects and the progressive, diverse nature behind my intentions, there also exists the boy who nerds out at the mere discernment of the topic of languages. I, an aspiring polyglot, have noticed the patterns between languages and the historical influences from different countries; having knowledge of Tagalog, English, Spanish, and a little bit of French. I know that further studying these patterns and influences will help me gain more insight, allowing me to learn more linguistic skills to expand my world-vocabulary and worldview. I have also researched many studies that show the effects language has on memory, intelligence, motor skills, and development; I would love to be a part of that! My release potential is the world’s inheritance, and this possible, generous investment in my future will allow me to travel abroad, seek adventures unforeseen, and delve into the great unknown. I am a homosexual person of color, growing up in a zealously religious, Catholic household. In retrospect, I knew I was different from a young age; I could never figure out why. Growing up, I was told being homosexual was an abomination; learning to practice the “socially accepted” standards that suppress true outlooks and desires. Every Monday night when Dancing With the Stars aired at 7 pm, my parents would ask me if I found the female cast attractive, and there I sat, lying to myself. I repressed these feelings and, ironically, became homophobic. There was such a stigma against queer people and I could not handle the pressure that came with the label. After years of struggling with my cultural, religious, and sexual identity, I slowly came to terms with myself first semester, sophomore year. Like many teenagers seeking the cinematic, picture-perfect high school experience, I quickly fell in love with a boy and engaged in a secret relationship. On the night of the band banquet, I froze in horror as my father walked out the gym doors to see me holding hands with a boy. My father and I contemplated ending our own lives. I did not want to embarrass my family, nor decimate the loving relationship and trust I had; it was too late. While my parents were devastated, my father took this very harshly. After being ignored for months and experiencing the effects of a toxic relationship, I allowed this grief and misery to completely encumber my life. I could not focus; my grades dropped, I burned strong bridges, I despised my own existence─and for what? One day, I stared at myself in the mirror, told myself I was enough, and burst into tears. I’m loving myself, living in the moment, and embracing love and support from people who offer it. I need to focus on the positive aspects of life, because if it’s wasted on things I cannot control, I might overlook the beauty in my surroundings. We “rekindled” our relationship when my Lolo passed away last June. Lolo was *always* there. This was heartbreaking for everyone who knew him, being the brilliant, intelligent, and loving man who wanted the best for everyone, especially his “Six Precious Jewels,” his grandchildren. Unfortunately, Lola has been affected most. She grew up in the Philippines in a time where women were second-class citizens. She feels that she has no purpose; constantly apologizing to us for simply existing. It’s so difficult to hear one of the most beautiful and selfless people to walk this Earth, spew hate on themself and self-deprecate to such an unbearable extent. During this pandemic, I cooked for, fed, and cared for Lola and Lolo while taking three online summer courses. My aunt lost her job, so now, she brings Lola periodically. I do not see taking care of Lola as a chore, but rather, a way to finally give back and reciprocate all the love and care that she has always given to me. What I gain from my studies will also help me support my Lola and give me further perception from a cognitive perspective. Very recently, I found out that Lola has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's Dementia; this news has been very hard on her and our family. Taking a deeper dive into these subject matters and concepts will help me, first, enhance my expertise, and more importantly, understand how I can better support Lola. This goes beyond my selfish desires. What I gain from my studies will give me the general knowledge one should know when mental health is concerned. I am a strong advocate for opening up conversations in which mental health is discussed. There always has and always will be a mental health pandemic, most especially after this COVID-19 crisis our world has been facing. After over a year in isolation, the loneliness epidemic claimed more victims and the rise in mental health is prevalent and prominent. How does all this have to do with language and culture? Cognitive science is the study of thinking and human interaction. I will be exposed to the cruel realities behind mental health and the functions in which the brain carries out for these disorders to take place. After my countless run-ins with mental health and disabilities, others and my own, I know that I can use what I learn to perpetuate further education regarding mental illness. The world is full of undiscovered, unlearned entities and potential; knowing I can further unlock the mysteries that life possesses, helping me to expand my knowledge, personality, and character brings me so much comfort.