Ashley Alday

Ashley Alday, 20's
Everett, WA 
she/her

Current Role: Social Worker, King County - Children, Youth, and Young Adults 

What racial, ethnic, cultural community or communities do you identify with? 
Filipina - American.

Tell us about your family story.
Both my parents were born in the Philippines and immigrated to Guam when they were young adults. I was born in Guam and moved to Washington when I was very young. Guam will forever hold a piece of my heart, but Everett did one hell of a job raising me and providing me with memorable experiences. 

What are the strengths and challenges of being Asian American/Pacific Islander?
A strength of being Asian American/Pacific Islander are our family values, community ties and connection, our traditions/culture/history, and our FOOD!  

A challenge is the battle in adapting and merging two different cultures and accepting our own identity. Figuring out who we are, where we fit in, and choosing what’s best for our own well-being. I believe our challenges are too complex to fit into a few sentences, but our strengths will continue to dominate! 

What is your proudest accomplishment?
I’m proud of all and any accomplishments I have made because life is hard, so why not be proud of it all? 

Some of my proudest are: Being the first in my family to graduate from higher education, breaking my family's cycle of poverty, owning a home at 23 (blessed!), and now having the ability and capacity to work on my generational and internal healing. 

Reflecting on how you grew up, what did you learn or appreciate from your family?
That love is all you need to thrive. Love for your family, love for strangers, love to those who harm you, love to everyone around you. Learning that helped shape  painful experiences into motivation to do better, be better, and love harder. 

Do you speak your family's native language? Why or why not?
I understand fully, read and write some, and can speak when necessary (but the embarrassment is real). Why? Because I was taught at a young age that I wouldn’t be as successful as my peers if I didn’t learn English and ONLY English (Yes, my 3rd grade teacher ACTUALLY told my parents I HAD to forget my language). It’s completely absurd and I wish had known better and kept my language; I would have loved being multi-lingual. 

What advice do you have for the younger generations in our Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander community?
We are here for you and don’t you forget that! Seek support, ask questions, be curious, it’s okay to embrace your imperfections because we all have 'em! 

What gives you the greatest joy in life?
Seeing smiles on the faces of my loved ones. I enjoy laughing, spreading love, and just being with people who love to do the same. Knowing that my loved ones are able to experience love and laughs brings pure joy to my heart! (And food, duh. lol)

Are there any projects you have created that you'd like to share and promote?
Instagram

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