Paving Pathways For Posterity

When she was twelve years old, my daughter Gina planned on how she would govern the United States as its first woman president. She never once considered her Filipino heritage a barrier to her dream.

I don't believe she is unique. In the hearts and minds of many others in her generation of Filipino-Americans, there are no limitations, only a universe of untried possibilities.

We can forgive ourselves for taking some measure of pride in our children's optimism and confidence. In our jobs, our avocations, our projects and celebrations, we are paving pathways for our progeny. This society is slowly coming to accept and understand that Filipinos are here -- not just to stay -- but to excel; not just to excel, but to enrich the American experience.

Gina enjoyed a successful stint as president of her 7th grade class at St. Columba. But now in her fickle teens, she no longer aspires for politics as an adult, leaving the future U.S. presidency wide open for her Fil-Am peers. Instead, Gina envisions herself an author and poet.

Fast-forward ten years hence - - when Gina might start writing in earnest. As she sits down in front of her computer, faces the blank screen and begins to tap those keys, would the same things that make us struggle and shine today, that impel the fury and joy of our songs and stories, persist as fodder for her own creativity? Would a novel on bigotry serve merely as a quaint period piece, or would embers of racial intolerance still smolder with relevance even then? Would a poem about an immigrant's loneliness be as compelling? A story on Filipino gangs be realistic? Would a piece rejoicing in our identity be passe? Would there be new tests and terrors in our hearts or on the streets -- lying in wait, silent, slithering under our materialism and indifference?

Let there be poets to see these things inside us and craft-wise hold them into the light; and let our leaders keep vigorous vigil in their sphere.

As for us, we will keep paving pathways. Would-be poets and presidents under our care may pass through these roads very soon.

Rodney Garcia