“Everything is possible” was the theme of the The Filipino Channel University (TFCU) event at Seattle University campus on Jan. 17. The intent was to remind the Filipino community that everything can be possible as long as they have the hustle to chase after what they love doing. Seattle U’s United Filipino Club (UFC) hosted TFCU, an organization that strives to connect, inspire and empower college students and young professionals to their full potential while also giving them a better understanding of the Filipino identity.

The main purpose of TFCU talk is to give younger generations the hope that they deserve. TFCU also hopes to help this generation realize the potential that the young people have within themselves. The event was the second time TFCU held a talk at Seattle U. UFC’s Activities Chair, Myron Bañez, a junior economics and public affairs student, worked hard to connect everyone and bring this event to the community.

“Right now, I am learning more tools to help my community in academia,” Bañez said. “Learning about economics, learning about theory and stuff like that, I certainly apply that to my research involvement.”

Bañez also said that he loved reading about the Philippines ever since he was in high school, and it makes him feel closer to his Filipino roots.

“What makes me most connected to my root is through readings,” Bañez said.

During the TFCU talk, students had an opportunity to hear stories from successful Filipino people, and through this, they had a chance to understand their roots. The panelists of this TFCUxSeattle event were Rosella De Leon, JR Aquino and Asia Jackson who brought up stories about being a Filipino-American, personal advice and inspiring quotes for attendees. Overall, they hoped that the Filipino “now” generation would understand who they are and believe in what they want to do.

Joseph Francisco, a first-year sports and exercise major and a volunteer for the event, said that he was especially impressed by panelist Rosella De Leon.

“I really felt [what Rosella said]. I really connected to it,” Francisco said. “It really made me think about what I want to do and how I want to do it.”

Francisco also shared that he loved his community and how the love from his community made him feel connected to his roots in the Philippines. Katrina Castaneda, a first-year nursing student and another volunteer of the event also confessed her pride in her Filipino roots. Castaneda was born and raised in the U.S, but has gone back to the Philippines twice and said that she felt that she was truly a part of that community.

Castaneda recognized that there are issues happening in the Philippines, such as hunger and poverty, but nonetheless, she loves being part of the Filipino community. She hopes that the next generation of the Philippines can continue to fight for their nation and culture.

“I would say take initiative. You can always say you want to do things and you can plan it out, but go through it. Go through the plan and just start doing it,” Castaneda said. “It would make a whole difference.”

She used a story of her first time snowboarding to drive home her talk. She found herself struggling and watching other people literally pass her by.

“Don’t ever give up,” Castaneda said.“Whenever you fall, you have to get back up. I just can’t sit there in the snow and wait for everyone to pass by me. I would have to physically bring myself up and keep going down that hill.”

Ultimately, the TFCU talk hoped to awaken the potential of college students and young professionals who recognize themselves as a member of Filipino community. Further, TFCU wants to create a forum where people can share their cultural pride and find connection with their roots.

Ted may be reached at [email protected]