New Year, New Beginnings

wanderwestwebdesign
Jan 20
4 min read

Updated: Jan 20

The meaning of 2026 is centered on conscious creation, transformation, and new beginnings — a year that calls us to surrender what no longer serves us, embrace simplicity, and live with deeper awareness. It invites us to release the past and step boldly into the future, making it a pivotal moment for spiritual evolution and personal fulfillment.

This month’s three articles all appeal to this theme: A college student thousands of miles from home. A surprise donation from one of MAAC’s biggest supporters. And me, Andrea Nicole, sharing my own message of transformation and new beginnings.

Happy New Year, MAAC community. We’re glad you’re here.

MAAC SCHOLAR OF THE MONTH

Lulu Kashiwabara: Navigating College with Purpose

Shouldn’t every student who graduates high school should be told: Life isn’t linear? New grads can think of the next ten years as a bowl of spaghetti; a winding trajectory of ups, downs, detours, challenges, and countless different iterations—all before you get where you think you’re going, if you even end up “there” at all! January’s Scholar of the Month shows how making bold decisions, trusting your gut, and owning your journey can manifest in unexpected opportunities.

MAAC scholar and tutor and musical theater major Lulu Kashiwabara grew up in Portland,

Oregon. After high school, she chose to move 2,881 miles away to attend Montclair State

University. Here’s her story:

"I chose to go to MSU because of its incredible theater program. From plays to musicals to devised (scriptless) work, the possibilities seemed endless. There is also such racial and cultural diversity at MSU, which was refreshing in comparison to my predominantly white high school.

Feeling represented and included at school was vital for me, and I thought that MSU would give me that sense of belonging as a Hispanic-serving institution with a majority BIPOC population.

When I went on a campus tour in 2022, I could really see myself there—I loved the layout of the school, and how it had a very "classic"; campus feel to it. It was also a giant plus that a ton of my family members were in NJ, and if there were any emergency situations, I could call one of them to help me.

Fast forward: I'm really glad I left MSU! Although I met some of my closest friends there and got an incredible 1.5 years of acting training, the overall environment wasn't for me. As an out-of-state student, it was really hard to build friendships with others, since most people were from NJ or surrounding states, and came to college with their high school friend group. I didn't have a car and the campus train didn't run on weekends, which made it almost impossible for me to go places during my downtime. So, I spent most of my free time on campus, and felt very trapped.

Because of all these factors, my mental health declined. I felt isolated, out of place, and depressed. Leaving was my step towards happiness, and I don't regret taking that step at all.

Since getting home and working on re-applying to colleges, I've had amazing opportunities fall into my lap. I auditioned for Groundhog Day: The Musical at a local theater in January to get myself back into the PDX (Portland) theater scene. I didn't put too much pressure on myself, and just viewed it as a learning opportunity. Unexpectedly, I ended up booking the job and getting a great role! I also joined Latinx Choral Project, a group for Latino singers to build community and make music in a space where people share cultural identity. For decades, the choral industry has been overwhelmingly white, and only now are BIPOC singers starting to get a bit more recognition in that space. The LCP is such a stepping stone in that regard, and is bringing such richness, diversity, and unique culture to the PDX choral sphere. If I had gone back to MSU, I wouldn't have been able to sing with this amazing group."

Longtime MAAC Supporters Donate $1,000

It might have been the first donation of the year, but it’s not the first donation from this dedicated MAAC supporter family. MAAC board member Tanya Isler Horne and her husband, David, contributed to MAAC’s mission of bringing holistic college and career readiness programming to students in need, with a $1,000 donation this month.

“We are so grateful for this generous donation. As a board member, benefactor, and personal friend, Tanya, and her husband David, have stepped up again and again to support MAAC in every way,” said Andrea Nicole. “This donation will give us a needed boost as we continue growing to serve new scholars and branch out into new communities.

Thank you, Horne family, for helping us give young people the support and guidance they need to succeed in life!”

A MESSAGE FROM ANDREA NICOLE

New Beginnings for 2026

I wanted to take a moment to share what’s been happening with me. These past eight months have been incredibly rough, and I’ve faced personal challenges that I’m still working through.

During this time, I’ve leaned deeply into every health and wellness resource available to me— my family, my friends, our community, and an entire host of incredible spirit angels who

continue to surround me.

Real talk — it’s been hard. And yet, I am profoundly grateful for this community. You have

reminded me what it means to be held, supported, and seen, even in the most difficult seasons.

Recognizing that we all face challenges, I’d like to share this helpful tool: We have 24/7 access to our breath. I use mine alllll the time. In fact, I’ve gathered every mindful goodie we’ve ever taught — grounding, breathing, awareness, self-compassion — and they have carried me through. If “life just isn’t life-in” right now, please remember: Your mindfulness tools are always within reach. Use them. Lean into your community. Break bread with the people who love you.

Know that extraordinary resources surround you at all times.

As MAAC continues to grow in such a beautiful and heartfelt way, my gratitude only expands, even during this difficult time. This community is powerful. It is loving. It is transformative.

Thank you, MAAC family. Thank you for being who you are. Thank you for walking with me,

and with one another. I look forward to all the new beginnings ahead.

With deep gratitude,