How does family shape your perception of strength? I was born and raised on the island of O'ahu to my Filipino immigrant parents that moved here for a better life. Even though finances were difficult, family, faith, and an abundance of hope kept them looking forward to strive for bigger and better things. Growing up, I have always been very aware of my parents' strengths, even if they often shielded their worries and concerns from me. They really worked hard to raise my sister and I well, but to provide us the opportunities they never had growing up. By working multiple jobs, saving up, and teaching me the values of hard work and integrity, I understood the weight of their sacrifices and hardships at an early age. My parents do not have college degrees, but still worked so hard in order to support our family get by. The strength I've learned from my family also stems from my grandparents on my mom's side of the family. They also immigrated here to pave a better life for us, and without their strength, I would not be where I am today. Through their hard work and resilience, they continuously inspire me to be strong regardless of whatever I face. Last but certainly not least, my family are truly strong in their faith and has used that as a pillar to lean on during our trials and tribulations. Because of their sacrifices and the countless prayers over our family, we were able to overcome our hardest moments together. I am truly blessed with the many ways they taught me strength, courage, faith, and hope.
Who is a female role model in your life and why? My older sister has been a constant role model for me through out my life. Despite our 17-year age difference, she has been my truest confidante, mentor, and biggest cheerleader. Being the first in my entire immediate and extended family to go to college, my sister paved the way for me to embark the similar educational aspirations. As a child, I distinctly remember her juggling school and part-time work, as there have been times where I had to go into work with her because she was also babysitting me while my parents were working. She had no choice but to do so because she was also helping my parents financially during that time. Through her actions, she showed me the importance of giving my 100% and how to be a reliable person for others, no matter how challenging. She is the epitome of strength as she heavily relies on her faith, but works so hard to reach the goals she set her mind to. She taught me the importance of charting your own path and always encouraged me to get out of my comfort zone o try new things. Because of her, I have been able to stretch in ways I've never thought I could or would. To this day, she is the first person I go to when I face challenges. Without my sister, I really would not be where I am today. She walked so I could run.
What advice would you give to the next generation of strong women? It takes a village to support and uplift each other up as women. For all the many ways that other strong women have supported, empowered, and uplifted you, it is so important that we also pay it forward to the next generation. Whether it is through friendship, mentorship, economics, education, sponsorship, or more, this support can be exemplified in so many ways. In addition to all the strong women in my family, I also would not be where I am today without the network of women (former professors and college staff, former managers, etc) that supported me in my own personal and professional growth. I am grateful that.I have been able to pay it forward in my former job supporting many community college students, who were majority women. We can all continue to advocate and amplify other women, and by doing so, we empower all women to reach their potential and make a difference as well.
Krystal’s Intentional Act of Kindness
How did you use the $100? I used the $100 in two ways: First, I gave $75 of it to a close friend of mine that I knew since freshman year of college that has been working as a nurse through out the pandemic. Second, I contributed $25 to a Gofundme that was set up to support the wife and children of the late Central District community member and leader, D'Vonne Pickett Jr, who was tragically taken away from them.
First, I chose to give $75 to my close friend because she is one of the strongest and most compassionate people I've ever met. She showed up for her community during the pandemic and continuously shows up for her patients. Last year, her team became so understaffed as a result of people leaving due to burnout. Not by choice, she became a lead and dealt with a lot of challenges from patients, doctors, and hospital administration alike. This led her to feel so exhausted and discontent to the point where she was not acting like her normal self. Because of all that she has done for others, I wanted to uplift her spirits in hopes that it would support her and encourage her to keep going. I admire her resilience so much, and she continues to me an inspiration for me. I'm so grateful she is one of my closest friends.
My second contribution was donated to support the family of (the late) D'Vonne Pickett Jr. Although I never knew him personally, he attended my undergraduate alma mater and graduated a year after me. I was so moved by the impact he made in the Central District area, especially for the Black and Brown community members. He was also a mentor to so many BIPOC youth in the area. He and his wife also owned a community-focused business that served the people in Central District. My heart broke for his wife and children when the news of his passing that shook the community. This compelled me to make this small contribution. I am certain that his wife and children will continue to make an impact and live out his legacy.
What was the 'Intentional Act of Kindness' process like for you? At first, it was difficult for me because I was initially indecisive of how I wanted to use the $100. I also wanted to make a direct impact on the lives of other women. When the moment came to make the decisions, my discernment took over and confirmed how I should go about using it. For example, a simple catch-up session with my friend and hearing how difficult work has been for her made the decision straight-forward. For the other one, hearing the news and ripple effect of his passing also compelled me to support his family. That said, in the moment and when the opportunities came up, I was able to make the decision instantly.