Youth Spotlight: Abreham

Welcome to our latest Youth Spotlight, where we celebrate the incredible journeys of FEEST seniors! Today, we are honored to feature Abreham, a thoughtful and reflective young leader who is graduating from Chief Sealth International High School.

Abreham (he/him), is a senior in high school and an Eritrean Christian who spends his time exploring powerful and compelling studies and philosophies about the mind. He believes in perseverance through adversity and encourages believing in oneself, envisioning a future filled with pride for all accomplishments. “Everything you have ever wanted is sitting on the other side of fear.”

Dev: Hi Abreham! Thank you for taking the time to talk with me, I’m really looking forward to our interview. Let’s kick off with just an icebreaker, how about you tell me something about yourself, like your favorite color, animal, TV/Movie. Whatever you’re comfy with! 

Abreham: Hi! My name is Abreham, and I’m a senior at Cheif Sealth International High School. My favorite color is blue, and if I were to have a dog it would be a German Shepherd or a Labrador or something like that. I’m not watching any shows right now but I have been watching a lot of documentaries lately that are looking into different things, trying to figure out why things happen. 

Dev: That’s awesome! Documentaries can be so eye-opening. Congratulations on being a senior! My next question is, why did you decide to join FEEST?

Abreham: I joined FEEST during my freshman year, which was during COVID. I remember a teacher, Mrs. Whited, who was incredibly nice and supportive. She showed me a flyer about FEEST, mentioning mental health and community support, and I felt it was something I needed. I wanted to be around people who understand and support each other. FEEST felt like a place where I would be welcomed and not judged. I was in a program called Kingmakers in middle school, which was a group of Black and brown students learning about important historical events like the Black Panther Party. That experience made me realize the importance of being in a supportive community. FEEST seemed like the perfect continuation of that experience.

Dev: That’s wonderful! I’m curious, what’s a recent documentary you watched that left an impression on you?

Abreham: Recently, I watched a Netflix documentary called Life after Death. It really made me think about the choices we make and the impact of our thoughts. It resonated with my personal experiences and reinforced my belief in the importance of curiosity and seeking knowledge.

Dev: That sounds fascinating. How has your curiosity influenced your journey?

Abreham: My curiosity drives me to seek understanding and knowledge. It’s led me to explore different religions and philosophies. I grew up in a religious household and initially resisted my mother’s efforts to get me involved in church. But over time, I started to explore on my own and found a broader understanding of spirituality.

Dev: It’s inspiring how your curiosity has broadened your understanding of spirituality. Thank you for sharing that! Speaking of broadening horizons, we at FEEST are passionate about youth organizing. What does youth organizing mean to you?

Abreham: Youth organizing is when a group of young people can talk to each other in a space where no one is putting anyone down. It’s a space where everyone can communicate and talk back and forth without cutting each other off or lashing out. Even outside of FEEST, I’ve seen people keep that same positive energy. It shows that what they’ve learned has changed them. Youth organizing means creating an environment where people help each other at critical points in their lives. Some might join for different reasons, but the knowledge and connections they gain are invaluable. It’s about genuine, real people deeply talking about what matters to them and supporting each other.

Dev: That’s a great perspective, I’m honored that you shared that with me. Transitioning to another important topic, why is mental health important to you?

Abreham: I think mental health is very, very important. Sometimes you don’t want to speak to anyone about what you’re going through, or maybe something is happening because you just feel that every time you try to speak or say something, people just put you down. It feels like there’s no point in talking because that’s how I feel sometimes. Especially in Seattle, people just don’t care and will say anything to minorities without a second thought. It’s a tough world, and that’s why mental health is always important. Everyone needs to have good mental health. Even if you don’t think you need it, you can always talk to somebody about it. It might be a school counselor or someone else, but there’s always someone you can talk to. 

You have to seek out help and try your hardest to find it because of what you think in your head and what your mind tells you, you’re going to do. Your head might say do this or do that, but you have to make sure there’s something else in your head telling you not to do it because there are consequences. Sometimes you think hurting yourself is going to save you, but it actually destroys a lot of people in your life who love you. You have to control your mind, not let your mind control you. You have to be the best version of yourself. 

If you do something you absolutely hate, it can actually help you. For example, I hate math, but doing things you hate can sometimes be beneficial! It’s always good to talk to someone about what you’re going through. You’re not alone, even if you feel that way. Talking to someone can change your perspective and help you. When you help someone else, you’ll be helped as well. People will see that, even those you can’t see, and they’ll show the same type of love towards you.

Dev: Wow. Thank you so much for sharing that with me, that was really powerful! What you said there at the end reminds me of my favorite quote by Octavia Butler: “All that you touch You Change. All that you Change Changes you. The only lasting truth is Change. God is Change.” Speaking of change, as you’re graduating soon, what advice would you give to any upcoming seniors?

Abreham: I would tell myself and others that no matter what happens, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Keep going, even when it feels like everything is falling apart. Don’t let the challenges in life destroy you. You have to keep moving forward, no matter what. Yeah, I always try to tell my mind, like, bro, you gotta relax. Look what you’re doing right now, you’re judging them. Like, what do you think is gonna happen to you? You gotta stop thinking like that and try your hardest to think positively.

Dev: Speaking of the future, tell me about your dreams! What do you envision for yourself in the future? What is your vision for the world we live in?

Abreham: After graduation, I plan to attend college and pursue a degree that aligns with my interests. I also want to give back to my community. I feel like the world—I would hope it’s not filled with violence and hatred, with everyone just destroying themselves. I hope for a change, even if it’s just a little bit, like at least 1%. I want people to stop with all that negativity and learn to live better.

I’ve been having a lot of dreams lately, which is unusual for me. These dreams show me becoming something I never thought I could be. Some of these dreams are starting to happen in real life! It’s like my mind is trying to give me a vision of what I want and telling me to go make it happen. I feel like I’m good at helping people and talking to them. A lot of people trust me, which I’m starting to understand more. 

In the future, I see myself in a role that’s good energy and healthy—my sister thinks I should be a psychologist! Maybe a lawyer, or in another field where I can make a positive impact. I hope to create good energy and bring about positive change. I want to help people and make the world a better place.

Dev: That’s an inspiring vision! Thank you so much for sharing it with me. Anything else you want to share?

Abreham: I would say the most important thing in life is to spread love to as many people as you can, even if you’re in a bad spot. It’s very hard, but spreading love doesn’t have to be intimate. Just try your hardest to show goodness to others. No matter what you believe, just try to do that. Love is very important. Be that person who people look at and think, “Wow, you told me something I never could have thought of.” Spread as much good and love as you can to anyone, regardless of their background. Sometimes just do it for no reason, because it can change someone’s day, week, year, or even their life forever.

Dev: Wow. Well said Abreham, thank you so much for sharing your insights and experiences. It’s inspiring to hear about your journey and your plans for the future. Congratulations again on being a senior, and best of luck with everything ahead!

Abreham’s journey is a testament to the power of curiosity, faith, and community. His insights into forgiveness and understanding remind us of the importance of empathy and connection in our lives. As he graduates and moves forward, we have no doubt that Abreham will continue to inspire and lead, embodying the spirit of resilience and compassion. Congratulations, Abreham, on your graduation! We can’t wait to see the incredible impact you’ll make in the world.