*The student who shared their story for this piece chose to be anonymous – their name has been changed here.

Vidia’s Story

Kandelia’s students and families come from all over the world. Each arrives in Seattle under different circumstances and for countless reasons, but almost all share one thing: the hope for a future full of opportunities.

Vidia didn’t know what to expect when she first arrived in Seattle. Her family had spent years in the resettlement process, moving first from her home country of Iran to Turkey. She spent six years in Turkey, but her memories there are not necessarily fond—shaped by racism and a feeling of not belonging. After six years, her family finally moved to the United States.

Vidia was connected to Kandelia soon after arriving in Seattle. In her earliest days at Seattle World School, where Kandelia’s programs are based, she remembers getting lost on the way home after Kandelia’s English class. The bus routes were confusing, and her phone died so she couldn’t navigate on her own. A Kandelia staff member stayed and helped her find her way, taking the bus with her to make sure she got home safely. For Kandelia, small moments like these reflect what community means: showing up for immigrant and refugee youth not just in classrooms, but in everyday life. It’s about building trust, stability, and belonging, so students can focus on being students. Since then, Vidia has been part of several Kandelia programs, including after-school English classes, summer school, and the food access program.

Once in Seattle with her family, Vidia stayed for a short time with relatives in a small, crowded apartment. Those early days were difficult, not knowing the city or how to get around. Things began to change when her family moved in with a host family who helped them adjust to their new life. “She was a really nice lady,” Vidia says of her host. “She showed us around. We went to some parks, some beaches. She really helped us, like getting our IDs and documents and things. It was really fun staying at her house. It really felt like I was in the United States.”

Now, a few years later, Vidia is busy working towards her future. A high school senior enrolled in Running Start, she spends her days balancing college courses, high school classes, and a part-time job. Vidia has big dreams for her life. She hopes to go to a good university and eventually to law school. “I just want to be a leader, you know,” she shares while talking about what’s next. She is already a leader at school, participating in student government for the past two years. Outside of school, Vidia shares that she enjoys at-home dance breaks and “the cozy vibes…getting hot chocolate…sleeping with the sound of rain,” embracing the comfort of small, simple things as a counterpoint to a life that’s been full of change.

Seattle has offered a new beginning that has started to feel like home for Vidia. “The opportunities I have here… I can do Running Start, going to high school and also college, and have job opportunities,” she reflects. Kandelia programs reinforce this foundation, offering not just classes like English and job readiness training, but also opportunities for community building and connection.

Like Vidia, all of our students deserve support and access to opportunities. Kandelia removes barriers for immigrant and refugee youth and their families, ensuring students like Vidia can pursue their education, discover their passions, and shape their futures. Please donate to Kandelia to help make this work possible.