Mount Royal University (MRU) is a student club that was officially ratified on May 30, 2022, with over 150 members and is also part of the Filipino Canadian Student Association (FILCASA).
According to the co-founders, John Jerry (Jayjay) Solana (21), Keanna Cruz (20), and Sophia Bugayong (21), MRFSA was born out of the acknowledgment of the barriers Filipino/a/x-Canadian youth encounter and the need for a space to be recognized, belong, and united. Keanna adds that as someone born and raised in Calgary, MRFSA is her way “to connect back to culture, to her roots, to feel united – [and] to bring joy in helping people.”
Jayjay states that the club seeks to create diversity and representation within MRU by addressing and bridging gaps brought on by differences (e.g., race and generation) through fostering connections and community. Similarly, Sophia adds that language barriers are one of the gaps they hope to close through this club.
Despite being new, MRFSA has gone a long way, and its excellent work has not gone unnoticed. In fact, at FILCASA’s 2023 Summit in Toronto, MRFSA was nominated in all eight categories and won the Breakout category – a testament to the club’s essential and exceptional work.
MRFSA conducts events and gatherings such as meet and greet, cultural mixers, and volunteering. These events allow its members to appreciate their culture, network, and support each other relationally and academically. For Jayjay, Sophia, and Kenna, establishing MRFSA has been challenging but rewarding. During the club’s founding, all three were in their first year of nursing and working simultaneously while keeping up with their club responsibilities.
Despite the difficulties, they all recognize that their journey has built resilience and nurtured personal growth. Additionally, leading the club taught them to work together despite having different visions, making them learn more about themselves.
These three promising youth leaders aspire for MRFSA to endure long. They hope the club remains a space and community for learning, joy, and friendships. Above all, the wish for the club to stay embedded in the spirit of “Bayanihan.”
To learn more about the club, please visit them on Instagram at mtroyalfsa.
