Reported By: Eliria Sabeti

Julia Areieta, a former GCC student, had been serving her community in a variety of ways while she studied at the Guam Community College. Areieta grew up on the island of Kuchi Ku in Ebeye, Marshalls, until the age of 14, when she moved to Guam.  

Areieta is still heavily involved with her Marshallese culture even in the Guam community. Another big part of her life is the Baha’i community and being raised up by their teachings and morals. 

The Baha’i faith is a fairly new religion whose purpose is to unite all the other religions and all the peoples into one universal Cause and one common faith. Its main teaching is unity. The Baha’i faith started back in 1844 in Tehran, Iran by its newfound manifestations, The Bab and Bahá’u’lláh. 

Areieta is actively involved in the activities and studies that they provide for the community. “We have a global process called the Ruhi Institution that is designed to help build our capacity to apply the teachings of the Baha’i faith to the transformation of society,” Areieta said.  

Areieta has made the time to participate in a series of global conferences, online and in-person meetings, and youth and children’s development classes for the advancement of the community.  

Balancing school while participating in this global process was a challenge for Areieta. Although she does feel that being raised in the Baha’i community since such a young age has really helped her to shape her personality to become more caring, giving, and patient.  

 “I find myself trying to incorporate these characteristics of being a Baha’i and a family-orientated person in my daily life, with school and community service. It has helped me have a different perspective on things in life,” Areieta said joyfully.