It's that time again (for you college) folks and assorted old heads...
The 2006 FIND, Inc. Fall Dialogue hosted by Drexel University.
...
I remember my very first FIND experience. It was the time it was actually in my own backyard, the Fall 2001 Dialogue at Stony Brook. From what I can recall, the dialogue was a success. I was one of the campus volunteers, directing delegates to the correct workshops scattered throughout campus. Since I was young and dumb, the whole meaning of FIND didn't take full effect on me until the novelty of partying at FIND wore off.
It was jokingly known as Filipinos In Need of Dates...but after you meet everyone semester after semester, it gets pointless and you realize that the whole purpose of these FIND events is to foster a sense of community, an awareness of self and a reason to educate ourselves and others not just about Filipino culture, but also about Filipino American culture and our position in today's society.
FIND didn't come full circle for me until I started getting involved in District 3, "D3". It encompassed all Filipino collegiate orgs in New York City, Long Island and Northern New Jersey. It was the same year I became Secretary of PUSO and I was easily voted into co-secretary for D3.
But there were flaws in the organization. There was that clique-y type of environment. It was high school all over again, which is one of the main reasons I stayed away from everything Filipino until I entered college. Because of FIND, I've met some of my best friends and built up a strong network. It was more than just partying with a bunch of people from all over the place twice a school year. It was about identifying who I was and my place in my own world...amongst my family and friends. In school and at work.
However, there are Dialogues that are better than others. I mean, how many times can we define ourselves or "find" ourselves? I believe one of the main reasons that makes West Coast Filipino orgs effective is that they already have a sense of who they are and what they can do. In knowing that, they can then effectively put their ideas into motion and see the fruit of that labor. Here on the East Coast, there is still a struggle with identity and a strong sense of dis-unity within the community.
But that is why FIND, Inc. is around. We're here to change the face of Filipino American society. Or at least make a lasting impact on somebody who will.
This is coming from an old head who was essentially anti-Filipino for many years. Who would have known that some of FIND's best alumni movers and shakers would be my best friends? For those of you who have lost faith in FIND and what it stands for, there's still hope for you all to see what you want to see happen. It's not going to be an easy road, but the journey is the best part.
The 2006 FIND, Inc. Fall Dialogue hosted by Drexel University.
...
I remember my very first FIND experience. It was the time it was actually in my own backyard, the Fall 2001 Dialogue at Stony Brook. From what I can recall, the dialogue was a success. I was one of the campus volunteers, directing delegates to the correct workshops scattered throughout campus. Since I was young and dumb, the whole meaning of FIND didn't take full effect on me until the novelty of partying at FIND wore off.
It was jokingly known as Filipinos In Need of Dates...but after you meet everyone semester after semester, it gets pointless and you realize that the whole purpose of these FIND events is to foster a sense of community, an awareness of self and a reason to educate ourselves and others not just about Filipino culture, but also about Filipino American culture and our position in today's society.
FIND didn't come full circle for me until I started getting involved in District 3, "D3". It encompassed all Filipino collegiate orgs in New York City, Long Island and Northern New Jersey. It was the same year I became Secretary of PUSO and I was easily voted into co-secretary for D3.
But there were flaws in the organization. There was that clique-y type of environment. It was high school all over again, which is one of the main reasons I stayed away from everything Filipino until I entered college. Because of FIND, I've met some of my best friends and built up a strong network. It was more than just partying with a bunch of people from all over the place twice a school year. It was about identifying who I was and my place in my own world...amongst my family and friends. In school and at work.
However, there are Dialogues that are better than others. I mean, how many times can we define ourselves or "find" ourselves? I believe one of the main reasons that makes West Coast Filipino orgs effective is that they already have a sense of who they are and what they can do. In knowing that, they can then effectively put their ideas into motion and see the fruit of that labor. Here on the East Coast, there is still a struggle with identity and a strong sense of dis-unity within the community.
But that is why FIND, Inc. is around. We're here to change the face of Filipino American society. Or at least make a lasting impact on somebody who will.
This is coming from an old head who was essentially anti-Filipino for many years. Who would have known that some of FIND's best alumni movers and shakers would be my best friends? For those of you who have lost faith in FIND and what it stands for, there's still hope for you all to see what you want to see happen. It's not going to be an easy road, but the journey is the best part.
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5 comments:
two things:
1. i wish i had those kind of filipino groups at york when i was around. those groups were "cliquey". wack, son.
2. your dad and fam are in my prayers. i hope it works out well. my dad's side, too, has the same problem with cholesterol, hypertension and all that jazz. studying kinesiology, i'll share one main message you and everyone else our age needs to know -- WE'RE GOING TO BE THE FIRST GENERATION TO BURY OUR CHILDREN IF WE KEEP UP OUR LIFESTYLES OF BEING SEDENTARY AND HAVING POOR NUTRITION (as parents we'll lead our kids by our poor example).
filipino food is delicious but it ain't healthy. it sure as hell ain't healthy! im personally gonna take the lead and trace my father and mom's side of health related problems so future generations - my kids and their kids and their kids etc. will know. our parents and theirs..and theirs before them have held a blind eye for far too long. you should do the same. the best cure is prevention.
makes me think too...all this drinking has to stop on my part. fuck...stupid sweet nectar.
thanks bro!
the hardest thing about giving up Filipino food is that it's.....FILIPINO FOOD. you're absolutely right about prevention though, if we don't stop, our kids will be on a way to a reduced lifetime of health hardships. (who knew a 12 year old could have a heart attack? crazy!)
i've already determined that it's genetic in my family but at least i'm getting a head start on the road to health.
then the liquor...
it'll be all about will power.
Hey David... yeah I'm very not filipino but I spent almost all summer with a filipino guy here at work and he's said a lot of the same things you said about the culture here in America.. including the food... He says he fights with his mom about eating healthier food every time he goes back home...
Keep talking to the 'rents about eating better... It seems like an uphill battle sometimes, but we want them around for a good long time in good health... It's the same with West Indian families... and I already have to keep a close watch my fatty food intake...
hey dee!
we've go to watch what we've put into our bodies i agree, but...you actually eat?
you're still the same size you were when we were in high school. i've widened from toothpick to sipping straw.
oh...send me the pics from when you came up to visit nyc!! so when you moving back homie?
Here's my photos from that weekend...unfortunately, I only got one picture with you... as for moving back... that's to be seen.. I do miss ya though..
http://www.flickr.com/photos/blessed_observations/sets/72157594270986332/
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