*The student who shared their story for this piece chose to be anonymous – their name has been changed here.
Vera’s Story
Animals have always played a central role in Vera’s life. Growing up on a relatively remote island, he collected animal figurines and rescued stray dogs, cats, and even turtles. “We lived in a rural area,” he shares, “so people would purposely dump puppies and kittens near our house. Every time we would go out, we would hear meows and tiny barks, and we’d rescue them.” Throughout his life Vera has cared for countless animals, but perhaps the most important was Ocho, a beloved dog named after the number 8 for the round shape of his body. “Ocho was a really huge part of my childhood, a friend of mine,” he shares. When life felt hard or the academic pressure (common in the Philippines, Vera says) felt like too much to handle, Vera took comfort in Ocho.
Vera’s parents first introduced the idea of moving to the United States when he was in ninth grade, framing it as an opportunity for better education and future prospects. At the time, he resisted the idea, unsure it would ever actually happen. It wasn’t until the move was weeks away that it all became real. When his family flew to the U.S., it was Vera’s first time leaving the Philippines and all his loved ones. It was especially hard leaving Ocho, who had recently developed a brain tumor. Despite seeing multiple veterinarians, trying progressively stronger medications, and hand feeding Ocho when he was weak, the dog’s health grew worse.
The move to Seattle was a huge change. “At first, I didn’t like Seattle,” he said, describing a traumatic experience being yelled at by a stranger on the street. This has been a theme with many newcomers we talk to. Seattle’s unhoused population is a sad and unfamiliar thing to most people coming from other countries. All together, the city felt intimidating and unfamiliar, a sharp contrast to the safe, rural environment he had known before.
Despite the challenges, he quickly found a sense of belonging at Seattle World School. “I liked it because the community being built here is so amazing and diverse,” he said. “It’s my first time being around people who don’t speak my language, but they also faced the same struggles I did, which gives a sense of comfort.”
Vera has been an active participant in Kandelia’s programs, even performing as a singer at Kandelia’s Back to School Fair. He thinks of Kandelia as a resource alongside the school that can help in a lot of different areas. “If the school cannot provide it, there’s Kandelia,” he says. “Everyone is welcomed, and those who have similar interests get to be in the same room, which is good because it builds community.” Vera is currently participating in Kandelia’s Student Success Coaching program where he gets guidance on job applications and support planning and making progress towards his goal of becoming a veterinarian.
Apart from high school and Kandelia programs, Vera also takes part in the Running Start program, taking college courses alongside his high school studies. When he can, he finds time for hobbies like gaming and watching K-dramas and anime.
During Vera’s first months in Seattle, back home in the Philippines Ocho had to be put to sleep. The experience was heartbreaking for Vera, who had hoped to be able to see Ocho on his next visit. Losing such an important part of his life strengthened Vera’s commitment to becoming a veterinarian, so he can help other animals and their owners in similar situations.
Like many newcomers, Vera’s first year in the U.S. was marked by loss, but also new experiences, new connections, and new possibilities. Navigating all of these changes is a little easier when students can connect to a supportive community. Your donation helps make this possible. Thank you for supporting Kandelia, and students like Vera.
