Around The Islands
Mini Profile
Nikita Mendonca: A Meeting of the Minds…and the Hearts
Nikita Mendonca passed several milestones during her four years in high school. Before high school, she was "shy, inhibited, and wary" of joining a group; she was always afraid that she would do something wrong. By the time she was into her senior year, Nikita had not only starred in their school musical, Disney's "Beauty and the Beast," but she had served as editor of their award-winning school newspaper, Ka Leo 'O Nanakuli and traveled to New York to attend a summer journalism workshop. Together with Tiarae Gututala, her best friend since 7th grade, they've been through many thrilling adventures. In fact, Nikita and Tiarae gave us our magazine title, Transition!
What Triggered The Personal Transformation From
"Shy and Inhibited" to "Confident and Capable"?
Nikita says, "When Tiarae and I met that year in 7th grade, we both were scared, so we kind of depended on each other to make it through. From that point on, we became inseparable, and we both stuck it out…As our friendship evolved, Tiarae and I became a team…together, we are unstoppable."
And also by placing her trust in Mr. Robin Kitsu, who is her newspaper and performing arts advisor, her world opened up to new adventures. "They've put up with a lot of trouble from me, and I definitely have not made their lives easier. But they've become a second family. They're the ones who push me to keep going."
Together, Nikita and Tiarae form a sparkling team. "Everyday, there's something new that happens that is embarrassingly funny." Theirs is the stuff real friendships are made of, which include heated arguments. "As close as we are, there are moments when something just throws us out of balance, whether it concerns family, friends, or work. However, it only lasts for a few hours tops, and in the end, our friendship is stronger."
What Makes Nikita Tick?
The small things give her joy. "The accolades are great, but it's not as important as when I'm able to spend the day with my family doing something as simple as talking over dinner, or playfully arguing with Tiarae, Christian, my sister Tasha, just my group of friends — over what movie we want to watch, or even spending the day getting lectured by Mr. Kitsu because I didn't apply for my scholarships or missed a deadline. It's all these things that lead to my success now, if it is that. Success without these things is empty, desolate."
Nikita's Biggest Challenge?
"I would say the biggest is my fear of disappointing those I love and respect. It's hard to overcome because I always have my doubts on whether my parents, siblings, friends, or Mr. Kitsu and his wife would approve. But they always tell me that they'll support me no matter what, and that if I falter, a second chance is just around the corner. Their belief and trust in me keep me going."
Her dream is to someday come back to the schools and develop programs that will give students a positive thing to do, keeping them out of trouble. She says, "My main thing, however, is to help them succeed. As a student now, I see too many kids who view themselves as worthless and give up at the first obstacle. I want to be there to help them succeed. I don't want to be the one who let them down."
