Meet Samantha, our She Talks Asia graduate!

For the past 9 years, the annual She Talks Asia Summit has served as a fundraiser for the education of young girls in Mano Amiga Philippines. This goal has always been our inspiration in what we do, but it has also felt like an abstract concept. This year, it all became real as we saw our first graduate—Samantha Lavinia—a bright __ year old girl who dreams of becoming a psychiatrist. She Talks Asia chats with Samantha on the day of her graduation. 

STA: As a scholar with a community supporting your education and dreams—can you describe what that feels like? 

Samantha: As a scholar for over nine years, my heart is filled with gratitude and so much love and joy. It amazes me to think that there are people out there, some of whom I’ve never even met who believe that by helping children like me go to school can make a big difference in our society. I am very grateful that I am blessed with these kind hearted people who helped me reach my dreams that I once thought were too far to achieve. Each year of being a scholar has been more than just receiving support, it’s been a journey of growth, learning, and realizing my own potential. These generous people didn’t just fund my education; they helped build my future. They showed me that even in a world full of challenges, there are people who care, who believe in second chances, and who are willing to invest in a better tomorrow. I’ll forever carry their love, support, and belief in me wherever life takes me. And more than anything, I hope that one day, I can pay it forward, to be that light and that hope for someone else, just as they have been for me. 

STA: How have your goals and dreams changed or evolved in the past few years?

S: Five years ago, my dreams were a little blurry. I just wanted to succeed, but I wasn’t really sure what that looked like for me. As I grew, went through challenges, and discovered more about myself. Through those experiences, my goals slowly became clearer. I realized that success for me isn’t just about personal achievements or reaching a certain status. What really matters is making a positive difference in the lives of others. Now, my dreams have evolved beyond just reaching something big or impressive. They’re about becoming someone who truly cares, someone who listens, and someone who supports others through their struggles. I want to be a person who helps others understand themselves better and guides them toward healing and growth. That’s the kind of success I hope to achieve, a success rooted in compassion and empathy. 

STA: What is your hope for your generation of young dreamers and what motivates you to keep going?

S: My hope for our generation is that we never lose the courage to dream, even in a world that feels heavy or uncertain. I want us to grow into people who choose kindness, empathy, and purpose. Who builds a future that’s better, not just for ourselves but for others too. What keeps me going is the belief that I have something meaningful to offer, even in the smallest ways. I hold on to the hope that one day, I’ll be able to help and inspire others through the path I choose. Most of all, it’s the people who believe in me. My family, friends, teachers, and donors  who see something in me even when I doubt myself. Their support reminds me that I’m not chasing my dreams alone, and that someday, I can become the person they already believe I can be.

STA: What is the best lesson you learned in Mano Amiga that you wish to carry with you in your new school? 

There are two things that I’ll always be thankful that Mano Amiga taught me and I’ll forever carry with me. First is that wherever life takes me, always choose to be kind. Growing up I was taught both in school and at home that being kind will always be cool. It doesn't matter how different people are or how difficult the situation might be, kindness is something we can give freely, without expecting anything in return. It’s not always easy, but it’s always right. And while we can’t control how others treat us, we can always choose to treat them with understanding and respect. That’s something I want to keep doing, wherever life leads me. And secondly, Jesus being the center of everything will always be the best choice. Life will teach us every challenge that we may face but no matter how hard it is we can always lean on and go back to our best friend, Jesus. There’s so much peace in knowing that I don’t have to carry everything alone. And when good things happen, when dreams start coming true, I’ve also learned to give all the glory back to Him. Everything I am and everything I will become is because of His grace. These two values; kindness and faith are the foundation of who I am and who I want to be. And for that, I will always be thankful to Mano Amiga.

STA: What is your message for the She Talks Asia community?

S: Dear She Talks Asia Team, Founders, and Donors,

I just want to say thank you. From the deepest part of my heart, for everything you’ve done, not just for me, but for so many young women like me.

To the entire She Talks Asia team, thank you for creating a space that uplifts, empowers, and gives voice to stories like mine. Thank you for reminding us that we are seen, heard, and believed in. To the founders, thank you for building something that inspires hope, courage, and change. Your passion continues to reach young girls who are still figuring out who they are and who they want to be, but who now know they’re not alone in that journey. And to the donors and all the kind people behind the scenes, thank you for giving us the opportunity to chase our dreams through education. Your generosity has given me something priceless: the chance to build a future I once thought was too far out of reach. Thank you for trusting me, for believing that I can do it even when I was still learning to believe in myself. Because of you, I now carry a stronger sense of purpose, and a desire to someday give back the same way you gave to me. I will never forget the kindness you've shown and the hope you’ve planted in my heart. I will always be grateful for this gift and for the beautiful reminder that people out there do care, and are willing to help girls like me dream bigger and reach higher.

With so much love and gratitude, 

Samantha Lavinia