“Why do we try to fit in, when we were born to stand out?” Natania Asay, has asked herself this throughout her high school years.

“Each of us have a unique and different purpose in our lives,” she says. “We all have a specific part to play in this world, a part we will only discover by being our authentic selves. If one link in the ecosystem disappears it won’t function the way it’s supposed to and might be lost forever.”

Asay was in South Whidbey High School counselor Janet Hunter’s Leadership class. Hunter says Asay’s compassion and desire to help others outweighs the hard work it takes for her.

“When she completed a project, she would be at my desk asking how else she could help,” Hunter recalls. “She and Janelle Iversen took on the project of providing a dinner and entertainment for over 75 needy families in our community.

“This required they meet with the Family Resource Center, promote the event, ask for donations,” Hunter explains, “inviting the families, preparing food and decorations, serving and cleaning up. She doesn’t just do the talk; she lives her life giving to others.”

Asay sits on the edge of the wood stage at the Community Park next to the high school. She dangles her legs off the platform as one foot begins to twitch. She laughs, trying to hold it still, but it keeps shaking so she shrugs and says, “Oh, well. I can’t help this – it drives everyone crazy, but it’s just part of me.”

In the foreground dozens of kids are playing, she watches them and smiles, remarking, “Don’t you just love kids?”

Classmate Todd Berry reflects, “Natania is always thinking of others before herself. She goes out of her way and lifts them up to help them through the tough times. She has a huge heart and a desire to better not only herself but people she surrounds herself with. She never takes anything for granted. Every night she writes down different things she is thankful for. She has shown me the importance of appreciating every little thing in life. Her smile alone can brighten anyone’s day.”

Asay says we all need a lift now and then.

“One of the biggest challenges for a lot of us is realizing and accepting our individual worth. Most of us struggle to develop our self-worth and to accept who we are. I perceive this as a universal trail. It can be made especially difficult because the world offers so many artificial sources to find this answer, for acceptance.

“When I was in middle school, fitting in was a priority in my life. Ooooohh, I so badly wanted to be more tan, to have silky straight hair, and definitely ditch the braces. However through my faith and relationship with God, I found my true joy and self worth from my eternal perspective.”

Asay says once she really began to understand this, she was able to overcome her desperate need for acceptance. This led her to discover that it’s not the fashions she wears or the compliments she receives that define who she is.

“I notice how light radiates and shines in those people that are filled with the Spirit of God.”

Others see this light shining within her.

Asay is a warm-hearted person whose compassion will affect great change. She encourages others by setting an example in service to the community, writes Jorn Aronson, a teacher at South Whidbey High School.

“One class assignment I asked the students to create an ad campaign to promote the God who would become Zeus’ successor; how this would make the best choice to change the world.”

“Natania was the only person that invited her parents to join her in her promotion. They arrived in suits and full attire to help Natania promote her selection,” Aronson recalls. “It was apparent that they had fun working all together as a family. Natania stands up for her beliefs and convictions, even at the risk of standing out from her peer group. She has a strong moral and ethical backbone that is unwavering. It is difficult in any situation to go against the grain of social behavior, particularly as a young person, but she has demonstrated that this can be accomplished with grace and confidence.”

Asay says by following the guidance and values her parents, community models and church members have set out for her, her life has been made purposeful and free.

“The world is completely open to me. I am free from fear, free from addictions, free to follow my dreams, free to make moral decisions that bring me happiness,” she says.

Asay says a couple of years ago she got caught up in a tangle of lies she was telling her parents.

“Their trust and continued love for me was killing me, finally I told them the truth. Boy, was that freeing for me.”

They forgave her and have never mentioned the incident since.

Striving to live a life of integrity, and taking responsibility has been truly liberating and rewarding, Asay says.

“One of my pet peeves is apathy, I think apathy is much of the reason people take drugs or drink. Not only are people hurting those who love and care for them, but they are cheating themselves.”

She says apathy is a dangerous mindset that can cause people to make careless decisions.

“If we each took responsibility for all of our actions, and refused to allow apathy to enter our thoughts – I believe we would have more genuine and happy people, capable of becoming the full-filled people we were born to be.”

What others have to say about Natania Asay

“We have been close friends since middle school. She’s so smart, and kind, and generous, and giving, beautiful and very easy going. If you go to her house you will see she and her parents and three brothers are just like her, all community heroes. She’ll help anyone in need, even if help isn’t wanted. She volunteers for her church, Relay for Life, Big Sister, tutors kids in all grades, and these are just a few. Whenever she’s not volunteering she’s studying. I’m not big on religion but I think it’s given her great qualities that she should be proud of.”

Joshua Gulvin,

friend and South Whidbey

High School senior.

“Natania has been playing piano at our Saturday night service for several years now. When she began, she was a quiet and kind student who was a bit timid and perhaps somewhat unsure of her gifts and abilities. During her years here she has given herself to the task willingly and has become a young woman of grace, talent and skill. Her positive and joyful approach to living has been a gift to us and we wish her well as she moves on to other grand adventures. We will miss her and wish her Godspeed.”

Karl Olsen, Trinity Lutheran Church Minister of Music.

“Natania balances school and community service. She is the foundation of our school leadership team as she serves as an ASB executive officer. She is selfless, putting the needs of others first. She’s a great role model, and is of high character. Natania is a self-motivator. Any goal that she sets and puts her mind to will be achieved.”

John Patton, Assistant Principal/

Athletic Director.

“Natania is a dedicated musician and student. She strives for excellence in all she does. She is a generous spirit – giving of time and energy to help others at the Middle School and in the community. She is a terrific Big Sister. Natania sets a good example in every way for other students and the community.”

Rachel Kizer, South Whidbey Middle School teacher.

“Natania is a young woman that follows her chosen pathway with elegance and with compassion for others. She is always willing to extend herself, giving freely of her time and her energy. She nurtures all around her and leaves all those that she comes in contact with better for the experience. I greatly respect her.”

Leanne Godsey, community

and church volunteer.

“Natania is a Big Sister/mentor in our school based Big Brother, Big Sister Program. She has been so consistent in showing up and being there for her Little Sister every week. It is so fun watching the two of them interact, playing games and spending time together. They have been matched for two consecutive years and they are very attached to each other. She is a great role model for her Little Sister and her peers.”

Laurie Hardie, South Whidbey

Big Brother, Big Sister

program coordinator.

“Natania is one of the kindest, most generous, beautiful and compassionate individuals I know. She stays true to herself while not judging others. She’s also hilarious. Once we ran around Langley Middle School with Apolo Ohno ‘soul patches’ made out of doll hair on our chins, to show our Olympic spirit. She devotes a lot of time to her friendships, and is an incredibly hard worker. She never expects anyone else to do work for her. She just basically rocks.”

Kate Hodges, South Whidbey

High School senior and friend.

“I think my son said it perfectly about Natania, when he said, ‘She’s practically perfect in every way. She’s smart, funny, kind, and great to be around.’ She is a wonderful, talented young woman. I have no doubt that Natania will continue on a path of excellence.”

Brenda George, church and

community volunteer.

“Natania, in Hebrew, means “gift of God”. Natania has truly been a heaven-sent gift to our family. It makes my day when she springs into my office for some conversation on the issues of the day or, alternatively, we break down into silliness. Deep or lighthearted, it’s always meaningful. She rarely gets up without giving me a peck on the cheek. Her joy is infectious. Her energy is infectious. Her interest is genuine. I see Natania as the tide that raises all of the boats in the harbor. She has made an indelible mark on my soul and I look forward to watching her as she continues to contribute to society in her own simple yet remarkable way.”

Kevin Asay, dad, volunteer

lay minister and Bishop.

“Shortly after Natania was born she was diagnosed with Strep B. She was in intensive care for a week, and our little girl manifested her fighting spirit in those first few hours of life. She has always been full of kindness and compassion. She is truly happy for others when they succeed and wishes the best for them. She has no guile. She knows her values and her beliefs and is true to them. She knows she has a purpose on this earth and she will accomplish it. She has always been our hero.”

Stephanie,

mom and volunteer.

Biography: Natania Asay

Birth date: Oct. 20, 1987 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Father: Kevin, technology marketing specialist.

Mother: Stephanie, “Best mom in the entire world.”

Siblings: Kyle, a sophomore; Brandon, a fourth-grader; Cameron, a first-grader.

College: Plans to attend Brigham Young University to study international relations.

Years on Whidbey: Seven.

Volunteer work: Big Brother, Big Sister; Youth Council; Youth group; Relay for Life; Langley Youth Council; Middle school internship; Teens Unlimited; American Red Cross.

Hobbies: Reading, piano, being with my family and friends, talking to my dad about current events, playing with children, and being in water.

Some of the people you look up to on South Whidbey?

My family, Shelly MacMillan, Patti and Ray Miller, Leo and Amy Hymas, Marie Burnett, Wendy Parent, LeAnn Godsey, Mr. Heggeness, John Patton, Mike Johnson, Dennis and Janet Hunter, Jorn Aronson, Mark Eager, Nancy Ricketts, Laurie Hardie and Laurie Dunsmore.

Personal sides

What is something people may not know about your family?

“Well for one thing I think we all have OCD, because we are all so obsessively focused. And my Dad ‘says’ he’s a technical specialist, but we all think he must be in the CIA, because he is constantly flying around the world.”

What advice would people be better off living by?

“Take the focus off ourselves, and live with a purpose.”

Which women in your life have been the most inspirational?

“My mom, grandma and aunt.”