Legion of Youth Powered by Boeing: Our Future Matters

Trey (17)

This program has impacted me and help me in seeing how important culture is and how it defines us. From what I've learned here, I want to reach out to kids to spread what I've learned so it could not only impact me but impact and effect a whole community .

Aumua (15)

My last year of high school I am hoping for a scholarship for football so I can go to college and study engineering and play football so IF I make it to the NFL and get hurt or retire I'll still have a way to make money cause I majored in engineering. But I'm exited to see what GOD has in store.

Marissah (16)

Attending Our Future Matters has made me want to take control of my future and not sit back and wait for change.

Margartitah (14)

If anyone inspires me besides God I would say my mom and dad. For my mom I know she is strict and all but she works so hard for our family. I want to be a hard worker. My dad because he also works hard and sacrifices a lot just like my mom so my siblings and I can play sports and have good grades.

Malaysiah (17)

To the people who look up to me, I would want them to know that every where I am with my academics, mental health and my physical health, I didn't get there myself. Yes I did work for everything, but it was the connections that helped me - along with hard work and determination. Don't afraid to meet people and be open.

Nano (17)

My favorite thing about Seattle is the public market place because looking around you see people communicating with other people, visiting and trying new things from different areas. It shows that the Puget Sound area is one big support and community for each other.

Kapiolani (17)

OFM really is the reason why I started looking into teaching & working with kids. Literally if it wasn't for that, I most likely would've been doing something WAY different lol but as of right now... I can't see myself doing anything else so yeah.

Aliyah S. (17)

The part I enjoyed the most about the Our Future Matters program was how much they focus on encouraging and motivating us Pacific Islander scholars to graduate from high school, to graduate from college, and to be successful. It really helped us recognize that we are not alone and we are capable of being successful as long as we put ours minds to it.

Mana (17)

OFM has great moments everywhere but my favorite moment would probably be the retreat we have! Because it makes it feel more like a family get together than a program.

Thomas (17)

The knowledge we've come up with together will be passed on to future generations facing problems with their culture & identity.

Paul (17)

The program was really an eye opener for me, it really understand who I am and as Pacific Islanders we go through similar struggles and that I'm not alone in those struggles.

Amelia (16)

Our Future Matters has opened up a gateway of opportunity for me. It has opened my eyes to see that Polynesians have a voice and that they should be heard. This program has also showed me that my opinion represents the Polynesian community and that I have to stand up for them.

Atelete (17)

My dream is to be the change in the world. To impact peoples lives, in a good way, to help those in need, and to be able to give back to my community. My goal is to continue in education after high school, go on to college and become a Pediatric nurse. While I'm going to school, I want to stay involved in my community. I will join Pacific Islander Club, where I can learn more about our culture and be able to present our culture to an audience.

Vaasa (15)

I enjoyed getting to know my own personal story more and why it's so important also how you're never alone and our stories always connect.

Saiah (17)

I really love that we have a place for pacific islander students to come together and talk about education, culture, and sharing who our community is. I have been in OFM for the last two years and it really has placed an impact to continue to push you forward in my education.

Manaialelagi (17)

Someone who inspires me is my dad. It's always been a battle for him when it comes to his health but, he's proven over and over its not gonna stop him. He's so strong and such a hardworking man. Anyone who knows him would agree. My dad, he inspires me to keep pushing through and do my best in everything I do.

Dezra (16)

Our Future Matters made to start caring more about my education. I learned more about the Pacific Islander Struggles and how to stand up for yourself.

Adriana (18)

My time with OFM is making an impact on my future by giving me the chance to get out of my comfort zone & really connect with people outside of the Polynesian community & its awesome! Rather than wasting time talking about meaningless things we talk about how to better our Polynesian Environment all around places & fully accepting them for the way they are, no judgement & all.

Janice (17)

I've enjoyed the OFM overnight retreat the most because having everyone under one roof for three days gave us all the opportunity to get to know more of what we already knew of each other. It also solidified the fact that we have a safe space to go to for certain things that others outside of the Polynesian community can't really relate to or understand but us. But most importantly I enjoyed my time with my peers and had fun, this retreat was most definitely one to remember.

Janel (14)

My time with OFM has made a huge impact on me personally, by showing me that I can do things around the community to help uplift the Pacific Islander (PI) people. Also it's helped me open up a little more and to not be shy talking about my PI experience.

James (15)

My family inspires me because when they struggle it pushes me harder so when I make a lot of money I can give back to my family and those who are struggling.

Abigail (14)

My Sister in Law inspires me most because she always gives me the best advice or encouragement when I need it and she just helps and calms me when I need it most.

Aliyah T. (15)

The time I spent with OFM makes an impact on my future by preparing me for understanding that most people don't know where I'm coming from so I have to be more open minded about how I come off on things and just understand that you carry your story around with you so don't be afraid to talk about it.