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The Power of Perseverance
Graduating Against All Odds - Now Ready to Soar:
Before arriving in Washington State, Aniya attended ninth grade in Jacksonville, Florida, where she endured a traumatic experience: surviving gun violence at school. She shared, “Life was different after that. Though I’d faced frightening moments before, this was the first time I felt terror. School no longer felt safe, and that feeling soon followed me everywhere I went. Returning to school felt almost impossible—it was a constant reminder of my experiences.”
In the middle of 10th grade, her father received new military orders, relocating the family to Bremerton, Washington. But the trauma from Jacksonville followed her. “Everything upset me, especially school,” she wrote. “I isolated myself from everyone, sitting alone, not speaking to anyone, and letting my grades slip. The future felt meaningless.”
It was her brother Keion who gently encouraged her to check out VOPIN’s Navigating Education program. I remember the first time I saw Aniya—she was sitting quietly in the school counselor’s office, tucked in the corner with her nose buried in a book, as if trying to disappear from the world. When she attended her first after-school session, she kept her head down and remained focused on her book. The same happened during her second visit. Aniya was present, but still very much hidden—guarded, uncertain, and healing.
Having worked with the King County Juvenile Justice for over twenty-five years, I recognized that what Aniya needed most was social-emotional support—and the kind of developmental relationships that create a sense of belonging, safety, and purpose. Over time, through patient and honest conversations, Aniya began to regain her confidence. I saw a spark return, and with it, the opportunity to invite her to step into a new role—one that would require courage, empathy, and leadership.
She accepted the challenge!
Aniya began tutoring her peers, many of whom faced complex challenges of their own. “Most of the students I tutored faced a wide variety of issues that impacted their grades,” she shared. “Some struggled with English, others were balancing jobs, or missing school often. But over time, I saw something powerful—students began improving. Their grades started rising, and they were retaining more information because they finally understood the material.”
In helping others, Aniya began to heal. What once felt like a meaningless future gradually transformed into a path filled with purpose, connection, and hope. Through VOPIN’s Navigating Education Internship Program, she began to uncover her potential—learning about leadership, gaining confidence in public spaces, and engaging deeply with her community.
As an intern on VOPIN’s Board of Directors, Aniya became a powerful voice for youth—bringing insight, authenticity, and lived experience to the table. In her leadership role, she stepped up with confidence and clarity. When tasked with creating a youth-led project to promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), she met the challenge with passion, creativity, and determination.
Aniya’s presence reminded us all: when young people are empowered, they don’t just find their voice—they become catalysts for change. Her unwavering commitment to uplifting others earned her national recognition—receiving the prestigious National African American Recognition Award from the College Board Association. A well-deserved honor for a young leader on the rise.
Aniya was elected as the 2024–2025 Student Body President of Olympic College, a testament to her growth, resilience, and unwavering determination. Her journey with VOPIN equipped her with the confidence, knowledge, and leadership experience to step boldly into this new role.
Aniya’s simultaneous graduation from Bremerton High School and completion of an Associate of Arts degree from Olympic College is nothing short of extraordinary. Her academic excellence, resilience, and leadership were further recognized when she was awarded VOPIN’s 2024–2025 Scholarship Award of $1,000. This fall, Aniya will attend George Washington University, where she plans to pursue a career in politics—a fitting path for a young woman already making a difference in her community.
Through it all, Aniya has consistently demonstrated remarkable resilience. As the Executive Director of VOPIN, I couldn’t be prouder of everything she has achieved. Aniya is not only a leader—she is a powerful source of inspiration for her peers, her community, and the generations to come.
Saying goodbye and watching Aniya leave for college is a bittersweet moment. But we know she’s ready. Aniya understands that VOPIN will always be her home away from home. On behalf of the entire VOPIN family, we wish her all the best as she begins this exciting new chapter in her life. "Alofa tele atu, ma fa'amanuia atu le Atua ia te oe ~ We Love You and God Bless You!"
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The Voices of Pacific Island Nations (VOPIN) is committed to inspiring Pasefika (Pacific Islander) students and families by providing high-quality, culturally responsive services and resources to eliminate educational and opportunity inequities. We serve as a bridge to develop stronger relationships between students, schools, families, and the community.
Voices of Pacific Island Nations (VOPIN) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Tax ID/EIN: 47-2497194). Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
Organized by Voices of Pacific Island Nations
501(c)(3) Public Charity · EIN 47-2497194
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