Grounded & Whole
I am ignited by simple moments- by living in authenticity, helping others when I can, spending time with people I love, and experiencing various cultures that enrich my body and soul.
Ivy Buena (Boston, MA)
Age: 28
Job Title: Activities Coordinator @ Carleton Willard, a Nursing Home
Orientation: Female
Ethnicity: Filipino-American
Race: Asian
Socioeconomic status: Working Class/Middle
Education:
Job Title: Activities Coordinator @ Carleton Willard, a Nursing Home
- I manage weekly activities for dementia residents such as energizing stretches to encourage physical activity and engaging activities to improve cognitive abilities
Orientation: Female
Ethnicity: Filipino-American
Race: Asian
Socioeconomic status: Working Class/Middle
Education:
- University of Vermont- Bachelor of Arts
- Wheelock College- Master’s of Science in Educational Studies (with a focus on Social Work)
Do you consider yourself a millennial-
why or why not?
why or why not?
Yes. I was born in 1989, in Manila, Philippines, and moved to Massachusetts at the age of 6 years old. I grew up in a generation in which technology was evolving, and I felt a strong sense of community through local and global means.
What has been key in your development as a millennial?
As a Filipina-American woman, the following things have influenced me:
- digital and technological advancements such as social media
- an increased interest in service
- immersing myself in various cultures that differ from my upbringing
Is your job the sole purpose or “calling” of your life? Who do you serve at work, and why do you serve them?
As an Activities Coordinator, I work closely with elders who have dementia. My job is to keep the residents engaged by promoting social, physical, and mental wellness. I serve my residents because I find value in our generational differences; it's a chance for me to learn from them as they share their stories, as they also learn from me. It gives me an opportunity to truly understand others, through struggles and resilience.
My job is not necessarily the sole purpose, but I am ignited by simple moments- by living in authenticity, helping others when I can through a kind act or word, spending time with people I love, and experiencing various cultures that enrich my body and soul; these memories that you create with others develop meaning.
I am fueled by education, and especially the performing arts, that utilizes communication of truthful stories and portrays awareness and sensitivity. I am passionate about a holistic framework lifestyle that balances work, family, friends, and "me" time. I thrive in fast-paced environments in which I am able to unite others and develop meaningful connections. Last but not least, spirituality energizes my way of living by keeping me grounded and whole.
My job is not necessarily the sole purpose, but I am ignited by simple moments- by living in authenticity, helping others when I can through a kind act or word, spending time with people I love, and experiencing various cultures that enrich my body and soul; these memories that you create with others develop meaning.
I am fueled by education, and especially the performing arts, that utilizes communication of truthful stories and portrays awareness and sensitivity. I am passionate about a holistic framework lifestyle that balances work, family, friends, and "me" time. I thrive in fast-paced environments in which I am able to unite others and develop meaningful connections. Last but not least, spirituality energizes my way of living by keeping me grounded and whole.
PC: Montgomery College
What are your passions, hobbies, and/or aspirations?
Passions: I am deeply passionate about empowerment. I strongly believe in encouraging others to recognize their true potential in succeeding. That’s why education and service plays a huge role in molding individuals’ capabilities. I have a strong background and great interest in theatre, music, and dance. My passion for the performing arts connects to education, which promotes cultural competence and distinguishes an awareness and sensitivity through body movement and storytelling. I honor people’s experiences and stories they bring to the table, because when you develop an understanding of others, not only do you bring out the best in you, but you bring out the best in others as well.
Hobbies: I have had a lot of “me” time lately as a single 28-year-old woman. Depending on the weather, my hobbies include jogging a few times a week at my own pace. I love to explore and walk around the city of Boston or get lost and go wherever my heart leads me to. With recent snowstorms here in Boston, social media has been my go-to when it comes to updated news and events. I love to watch theatrical plays, cultural events, and ballet performances that give you these elements of joy and warm fuzzy feelings. Additionally, I love to attend live concerts and explore museums and libraries that portray history.
Aspirations: I aspire to become an educator and a social agent of change. I would like for every little girl that was told that she couldn’t do something believe that she can. I aspire to become like the administrative mentors I have had in my past and empower others to achieve as much as they have inspired me. I aspire to have positive impacts in the communities I have lived and worked in. I aspire to become a program director that will promote a sense of well being, instill awareness and understanding, and broaden individual perspectives.
Hobbies: I have had a lot of “me” time lately as a single 28-year-old woman. Depending on the weather, my hobbies include jogging a few times a week at my own pace. I love to explore and walk around the city of Boston or get lost and go wherever my heart leads me to. With recent snowstorms here in Boston, social media has been my go-to when it comes to updated news and events. I love to watch theatrical plays, cultural events, and ballet performances that give you these elements of joy and warm fuzzy feelings. Additionally, I love to attend live concerts and explore museums and libraries that portray history.
Aspirations: I aspire to become an educator and a social agent of change. I would like for every little girl that was told that she couldn’t do something believe that she can. I aspire to become like the administrative mentors I have had in my past and empower others to achieve as much as they have inspired me. I aspire to have positive impacts in the communities I have lived and worked in. I aspire to become a program director that will promote a sense of well being, instill awareness and understanding, and broaden individual perspectives.
What communities or groups have helped you feel like you belong?
Asian American Student Union: When I first entered my undergraduate career at the University of Vermont, I became an active participant of the Asian American Student Union (AASU). AASU at that time became my home away from home. In some ways, I finally found myself, and it was the first time that I embraced my Filipina American identity. For someone who felt lost at times, and did not know where I fit in, my AASU friends eased my transition to college. Growing up in a predominantly white suburb I felt somewhat invisible, but I adapted. Becoming part of the AASU community not only helped me develop long lasting friendships, but also enhanced an understanding of my salient identities.
Grays Harbor County Jesuit Volunteer Corps 12’-13’: When I graduated from the University of Vermont, I moved to the northwest and served as a Jesuit Volunteer at Grays Harbor County. I lived with two strangers from various states- Casey Jergenson from Omaha, Nebraska, and Melissa Minato from San Jose, California. Luckily the three of us roommates got along fairly well- we were very similar yet different in many ways. We were a community of three that shared moments and stories together while living in an isolated community. Through our weekly spirituality nights and shared evening meals, there was a sense of belonging and mutual bond between all of us.
Grays Harbor County Jesuit Volunteer Corps 12’-13’: When I graduated from the University of Vermont, I moved to the northwest and served as a Jesuit Volunteer at Grays Harbor County. I lived with two strangers from various states- Casey Jergenson from Omaha, Nebraska, and Melissa Minato from San Jose, California. Luckily the three of us roommates got along fairly well- we were very similar yet different in many ways. We were a community of three that shared moments and stories together while living in an isolated community. Through our weekly spirituality nights and shared evening meals, there was a sense of belonging and mutual bond between all of us.
PC: JVC
The millennial generation has been labeled as entitled, tech-savvy, non-religious, and non-direct communicators who are financially irresponsible.
What do you think about these labels?
What do you think about these labels?
As much as I disagree and agree with the labels above, everybody’s situations, upbringing, and interests are different. We are all flawed and imperfect. Yet each and every one of us have the power to become social advocates of change. Change starts with each of us.
We are living in a very technological savvy society in which we are constantly on our iPhones, iPads, laptops, and computers. This is what led us to become non-direct communicators and couch potatoes. We live in a society in which there is constant upheaval, political antics, and where healthcare is not always a priority. The media communicates and molds our daily views. Religion is not always dominant, but depending on where you are living, it may play a role in your spiritual life. I have lived in various parts of the country; some areas are a lot more conservative and religious than others while other areas are very liberal and spiritual. Religion may or may not play a role. Perhaps we are entitled because we work for our money and we do what we want. I think the entitlement piece comes from access and working for your money. We may be seen as financially irresponsible because we live in a materialistic world and we take out loans for education in order to invest in our futures.
Yet, millennials are also advocates that will change the direction of our futures. I strongly believe that millennials are civic-minded individuals that will encourage stewardship and environmental sustainability. We are the open-minded generation that will challenge inequities and serve as allies for those who are oppressed because we have a deeper understanding of social justice and equity. We are the generation that will demand for equal rights and opportunities, and promote a just society. We are the generation that thrives in service and uses creativity to innovate change. If influenced by positivity and access, we have the life experiences that can impact our surrounding communities for the better. We are the generation in which women can finally be our future leaders. Millennials are the generation in which knowledge and collaboration are critical components of our system. Life is our teacher and we are part of something bigger than ourselves.
We are living in a very technological savvy society in which we are constantly on our iPhones, iPads, laptops, and computers. This is what led us to become non-direct communicators and couch potatoes. We live in a society in which there is constant upheaval, political antics, and where healthcare is not always a priority. The media communicates and molds our daily views. Religion is not always dominant, but depending on where you are living, it may play a role in your spiritual life. I have lived in various parts of the country; some areas are a lot more conservative and religious than others while other areas are very liberal and spiritual. Religion may or may not play a role. Perhaps we are entitled because we work for our money and we do what we want. I think the entitlement piece comes from access and working for your money. We may be seen as financially irresponsible because we live in a materialistic world and we take out loans for education in order to invest in our futures.
Yet, millennials are also advocates that will change the direction of our futures. I strongly believe that millennials are civic-minded individuals that will encourage stewardship and environmental sustainability. We are the open-minded generation that will challenge inequities and serve as allies for those who are oppressed because we have a deeper understanding of social justice and equity. We are the generation that will demand for equal rights and opportunities, and promote a just society. We are the generation that thrives in service and uses creativity to innovate change. If influenced by positivity and access, we have the life experiences that can impact our surrounding communities for the better. We are the generation in which women can finally be our future leaders. Millennials are the generation in which knowledge and collaboration are critical components of our system. Life is our teacher and we are part of something bigger than ourselves.
Think you have a story to tell about being a millennial? Comment below or message me today at eden.tullis@gmail.com!