Shakya’s Summer Search journey took her far beyond what she imagined when she signed up: across the country, across the world, and deep within herself. 

 

Check out Shakya’s interview from the 2025 Alumni Summit. 

 

As a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), Shakya grew immersed in the Deaf community, an experience that shaped who she is in countless ways. Growing up with Deaf parents gave her a deep appreciation for language access, Deaf culture, and advocacy, an experience that would later inspire her to pursue a career as an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter.

 

For her first summer experience, Shakya traveled to Arizona with Dmiva SoulJourney, where she stood at the edge of the Grand Canyon and stepped into a yoga and art retreat grounded in healing and self-discovery. Through wilderness therapy, creative expression, and movement, she began to connect with herself in ways she hadn’t before.

 

“I learned the importance of art therapy and yoga. Just body movement, learning how to get into my body and heal through those movements.”

 

On her second summer trip, Shakya traveled to Costa Rica, where she participated in a service program supporting a local community. There, she helped build sidewalks and worked alongside community members to transition coffee farms from conventional to organic practices. But what stayed with her most was the community: 

 

“The most surprising part for me was being able to go to Costa Rica, learn a different language, and support a local community, and just see how happy people were with our support.”

Shakya on her service trip to Costa Rica

 

After graduating high school, Shakya returned to Deva SoulJourney, not as a participant, but as an intern, and eventually, an instructor for two years.

 

“It was really just like a full circle moment for me….to give back in that way, but also to relate to the students who were there.”

 

Because Deva SoulJourney was a Summer Search partner, she was able to guide other students on their summer experience trip. Another full circle moment for Shakya was the 2025 Summer Search Alumni Summit where she reconnected with students she had once guided during her time as an instructor.

 

Throughout her journey, one constant was mentorship. Her mentor, Kaitlin, played a key role in shaping her experience: offering encouragement, support, and a steady presence. For Shakya, mentorship created space for her to be vulnerable, to grow, and to try new things knowing she wasn’t alone. They also challenged her to dream bigger, believe in herself, and pursue opportunities she never imagined possible. Their guidance helped her become the valedictorian of her graduating class and earn more than $80,000 in scholarships. More importantly, they instilled in her a lifelong commitment to service.

 

“The mentoring aspect had the biggest impact on my life. It gave me opportunities to travel, to learn more about myself, to step out of my comfort zone, and to be able to trust myself and trust someone else.”

 

Today, Shakya is studying to become an ASL interpreter while also working as a doula and practicing as a medicine woman—roles that all center care, connection, and community. As both a doula and future ASL interpreter, she hopes to specialize in maternal healthcare, helping expecting families navigate hospital settings with clear communication, greater access, and compassionate support. She believes every family deserves an empowering healthcare experience and hopes to help bridge the communication gaps that too often exist.

 

For young people just beginning their Summer Search journey, Shakya offers this advice:

 

“Live your life. Love your life. And do it—even when you’re scared.”

 

Because on the other side of fear, there is growth. There is connection. There is possibility. And sometimes, there’s a full circle moment waiting for you. Alumni like Shakya are shaping the future of Summer Search and our wider world through their desire to give back, uplift others through their work, and make positive change in their communities.

 

The Summer Search journey doesn’t end with a milestone—it continues to evolve through the lives and leadership of our Alumni. We’re excited to continue our new Alumni Spotlight Series to answer the question, “Who son Summer Search Alumni?”. This series will feature conversations with Alumni across our community who share their experiences with Summer Search, how they son building careers, strengthening their communities, and navigating what’s next.