Selenia Leads Student Body in U.S, Inspires Community

Deborah Selenia Vasuilakeba, 17, is a leader who is determined to make a positive impact in her school and community.

She is from Namata Village in Tailevu, with maternal links to Nasavu Village in Deuba. She serves as the Associated Student Body (ASB) president at Everett High School in Everett, Washington, U.S.

With a student body of 1606 from Grade 9 to 12, Deborah’s leadership as a Fijian student is a source of immense pride for her family.

Her parents live in Fiji while she is under the care of her aunt, Selenia and uncle Aseri Kunawave in the U.S.

“When I was running for the position I was doing it because I was encouraged to do so by many students and teachers,” Deborah said.

“Prior to contesting for the position, I never knew the impact I had on this school and the people. Then on February 29, I realised that my impact was felt by many students and teachers when the leadership advisors had sent the message that I had won,” she said.

“I gained majority of votes. Winning with the biggest number of votes brought me so much joy and nervousness, but I realised that the Lord has a plan for me in this life.”

Though born in the U.S, she is proud of her roots and holds herself as a proud daughter of Tailevu.

Last month on September 4, she was elected president of the student body at Everett High School, a school she had attended since Year 9 in 2021.

PROUD MOM

Here in Fiji, her mother Ana Gasaucalayawa described Deborah as a cheerful and confident child.

“As her mom I knew Deborah to be always cheerful, confident and loving girl growing up,” Ms Gasaucalayawa said.

“She never wanted to see any child sad or cry. She was known as a peacemaker in her school and mostly wanted all children around her to love each other and be united.

“Deborah is very talented and a beautiful singer and she sang the American National Anthem quite a few times during her school games of volleyball (which she is a member) and football. She also sang once in her City Baseball Game which was special and of course an honour for her.”

Recently, as part of her leadership role, Deborah and her team of student body officials attended a leadership camp organised by the school district in Mt Adams.

The camp was offline with phones and gadgets were all turned off.

There was close to 500 students from various schools being specially trained and prepared to take up their roles in the respective student bodies that attended the camp.

She described the experience as a life changing one for her personally.

“The minute I joined leadership, I heard lots of great things about this camp. On the first day I was terrified about meeting new people and putting myself out there,” she said.

“Little did I know that the next six days were going to be the best of my life. From learning about the eight essentials to creating connections that I know for a fact will last a lifetime.

“I couldn’t have been more grateful for six days in the forest with no service. Thank you Mt Adams for teaching me how to embrace the uncomfortableness of life and to lead with influence.”

ROTARY STUDENT OF THE MONTH

She was also honoured as one of the three Rotary Club of Everett Student of the Month for October.

The Rotary Club of Everett honoured three local high school students on October 15. Each month during the school year the club recognises and celebrates outstanding high school students in the city of Everett for their accomplishments and their promise.

One of her teachers said, “Deborah leads with love. As ASB president and president of the Pacific Islanders Club, Deborah is unwaveringly kind, accepting and positive. Her light shines bright and everyone near her wants to be closer to her.”

Her ASB Advisor said: “Deborah is the only ASB President in 15+ years whose peers spontaneously start clapping and cheering every time she is introduced. The students who surround her and work with her feel grateful to know her and proud to call her theirs, and they should.”

ADVICE TO YOUNG PEOPLE

When asked one advice she would like to say to young people, she said: “Know that they’re people around you will support you and also tear you down. Lean on those who are your supporters in moments of need but also lean on the Father! Pray and ask for joy each day and you will notice the difference and people will too.”

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