Pasco, WA — On May 27, the Tierra Vida community proudly celebrated 11 graduates during a heartfelt ceremony filled with joy, pride, and support. Surrounded by family, friends, and community members, each graduate was recognized for their hard work and perseverance. A highlight of the celebration was Royale’s inspiring message, in which he shared his personal journey, reflected on the challenges he overcame, and encouraged graduates to continue pursuing their goals with determination and confidence.
Watch Royale share his journey below.
A Story of Transformation: Shaped by Community
When I think about Tierra Vida, the first thing that comes to mind is family.
My name is Royale. I recently graduated from Chiwana High School, and I have lived in the Tierra Vida community for nearly seven years. Looking back, I see my time here as much more than growing up—it tells a story of transformation shaped by the people around me.
Before I moved to Tierra Vida in October 2019, I lived comfortably in my routines. I stayed within what felt familiar and rarely stepped outside my comfort zone. I spent my entire life in California surrounded by people and places I already knew well. That comfort felt safe, but it also kept me from challenging myself, meeting new people, and experiencing new perspectives.
Everything changed when I met Jose, Axel, and Martín.
They were some of the first people I met after I arrived in Tierra Vida, and they immediately made me feel welcome. They invited me to community events, introduced me to other residents, and encouraged me to get involved. At first, I struggled to open up. I stayed within my own circle and kept to myself. But their friendship pushed me beyond my comfort zone.
As I participated more, I realized Tierra Vida was different. It wasn’t just a neighborhood—it was a community built on relationships. Through Jose, Axel, Martín, and the many families I met, I experienced the value of connecting with others. People opened their hearts to me, and in return, I opened mine.
Over time, those relationships helped me grow into someone more mature, understanding, and confident. I built friendships with people from different backgrounds and formed connections with adults who guided me and shared their wisdom. Their support showed me the importance of community and taught me that growth happens when you let others into your life.
As I grew, I carried those lessons into other areas of my life.
In school leadership, volunteer work, and team projects, I applied the importance of communication and collaboration. I saw those values every day in Tierra Vida. The adults in the community worked together, supported one another, and modeled strong leadership. Watching them taught me that success comes from listening, communicating, and working toward a shared goal.
Because of those examples, I became a stronger leader. I learned to work effectively with others, build trust, and contribute to something larger than myself.
I also met people who guided me when I needed support. Martín always made himself available when I had questions. He taught me that asking for help is not a weakness but a strength. Miguel, Jasmine, and Ernesto also supported me with advice, encouragement, and guidance. Their willingness to invest in me helped me grow and gave me confidence to take the next step in life.
Today, I often say that being from Tierra Vida is a badge of honor—not because it is exclusive, but because it is something special. Tierra Vida is a place filled with love, life, and people who genuinely care for one another. It opens your eyes to new experiences and reminds you that no one succeeds alone.
Whenever I bring friends to visit and introduce them to people in the community, I see the same warmth and energy that once welcomed me. I watch them experience that same sense of belonging, and it reminds me how powerful a supportive community can be in shaping a young person’s life.
If there is one message I want to leave with the youth, it is this: “It’s okay to ask for help.” No one is meant to figure everything out alone. The moment I started asking questions, seeking guidance, and letting people support me was the moment I started growing the most.
“It’s okay to ask for help.”
Today, I’m heading off to college, carrying everything I learned from Tierra Vida with me—its lessons, its people, and the sense of family that helped shape who I am.
Watch his full journey here alongside the video.
