What would you tell your 14 year old self?

I would say, "Be patient. Settle down. It's going to be okay. You're lovely." She needed to hear those things. I don't think I was unique in needing to hear them. I think it's pretty typical for a 14-year-old. Kids at that age have a lot of uncertainty and insecurity. So I would have just given myself a hug and said, "Settle down for a minute."

What was your greatest challenge and how did you overcome it?

Moving to Hawaii at the age of nine was a significant environmental challenge. We lacked family support and infrastructure here. My sisters, my mother, and I, we had to rely on the kindness of strangers and our close family friends to navigate through this.

On a more personal level, my own challenge was the lack of a clear sense of belonging, especially during my teenage years. I wasn't sure where I fit in, and that feeling persisted. How did I overcome it? I created my own space where I felt I belonged, finding solace in my own identity until I felt comfortable.

Now, in my 50s, I find excitement in the security I've gained. I can appreciate and be grateful when people invite me into their spaces without feeling as insecure. It's taken decades to reach this level of confidence, and even now, it's not constant. There are still moments of vulnerability. But I'm immensely grateful for the sense of security I've attained. It wasn't an easy journey, and for anyone encountering similar struggles, whether they're friends, sisters, or mothers, I would encourage reaching out and offering support. A simple hug can make a significant difference, even if it doesn't seem like it in the moment. Over time, these gestures can help someone become whole.

What is your definition of success?

My definition of success is appreciating that life isn't perfect and being okay in that space. It's about being able to provide for those in need, to feed the hungry and take care of essential things. On a personal level, it's accepting that things might not always work out perfectly. In the past, I used to get really upset and anxious when things didn't go as planned. Now, I've learned to approach challenges with a sense of calm. I can say, "Of course, it's not working out today, but tomorrow is a new day, and we'll try again." I feel successful when I can embrace this mindset sincerely and with faith, trusting that things will eventually fall into place. It's about finding that balance between acknowledging the imperfections of life and maintaining hope and faith that things will work out in the end.