Ebony graduated from Temple this past May with a major in Adult and Organizational Development and a minor in History. Ebony is a photographer, people watcher, and museum hopper. Ebony is a former 12+ Temple Chapter volunteer, and she now comes to 12+ as a Fellow at KHSA.
Vianca offered the warmest welcome to the new Fellows at Kensington Health Sciences Academy. She was the first student I met at KHSA and since that day our relationship has blossomed. The foundation of our bond started with our mutual love for art. We share images we have captured, drawings, poetry, and creative writings. Gaining this bond with Vianca is just one of the many things I’d like to highlight about my journey as a Fellow. I interviewed Vianca about her experiences with 12+ and her involvement with the PLUS Center this year. During my interview with Vianca, I asked her to share as much as she was comfortable with. We also took a few pictures as we walked the streets surrounding KHSA.
So, tell me about yourself!
“My name is Vianca. I always wanted to have my grandma's last name, Cancel, but my dad said no! I love photography, drawing, poetry, and writing stories. I’ll be a writer one day. I love interacting with people! Like if someone needs help or advice, I love talking and helping people through personal problems. I think I get that from my dad. He is my biggest inspiration. He gets advice from his aunt all the time and passes her advice to me. I also want to learn Spanish, so I can talk to her.”
What are some of your long term goals?
“I know what my goals are but I’m experiencing one of my goals now. I never thought I would make it this far. I had some very eye opening experiences but I’m glad to be where I am now. Long term goals? College, of course. I’m going to be a writer! My dad started college but didn't finish. My mom struggled a lot in life. I want to finish where my dad left off. It’s like my dad started this path to college, and I’m going to finish. For the both of us.”
How has the PLUS Leader Program shaped your leadership qualities?
“I feel like the PLUS Leader Program just polished the leadership skills and qualities I already knew I had. It’s like an oyster. You know, the shell is shut until someone opens it, but the pearl is still shining inside. Just like my qualities and skills were in me, just needed help embracing them. The PLUS Leader Program opened me up and developed my skills. I knew I had the potential to be a leader, I just didn’t know how. Now since I’ve graduated from the program, I still use what I learned outside of the PLUS Center.”
What about 12+ do you enjoy this year?
“I really like the individuality between each Fellow. Everyone in the Center is so easy to get along with. When I see you all in the morning, it makes my day! Even if I am having a bad day, I know I can come in, talk to y'all and my day will get better. The relationships I have gained with 12+ from this year and years before has been awesome. I have this thing about positive people. People who make positive changes in my life hold a special place in my heart. That’s where 12+ is.”
Any last words?
“I love having 12+ in our school. Being involved with 12+ has been a form of validation for me. Now, I know how awesome I am. Now, I know how strong I am. 12+ just confirmed and validated my goals for me, while helping me become stronger. Every school should have a 12+.”