Model, actor, advocate meets with Glover students

Glover Middle School students last week had the chance to chat with Maya Samaha – a multifaceted model, actor, and artist from Spokane who has gone on to achieve international acclaim.

Maya’s mother, Rachel Samaha, is a behavior intervention teacher at the school. 

“My mom is fantastic,” Maya said. “She teaches so many different types of kids and she’s made such a huge difference in their individual lives. So, when she asked if I wanted to come speak to students here, I said ‘absolutely.’”

Maya has worked with Nike, Target, Gap and H&M, and recently had a starring role in an ad for Amazon Prime. But on Friday, she was also there to speak as a member of the LGBTQ community who struggled to grow into their authentic self.

“It’s hard to do that, especially at this age,” she said. “I didn’t discover my pronouns [she/they] or feel comfortable enough to acknowledge my identity until later.”

Glover Principal Assistant Alyson Chamberlin said small groups of interested students signed up ahead of time to meet Maya. 

“She’s here to discuss how students can advocate for themselves and minorities while simultaneously bringing communities together,” Alyson said. “It’s much easier to hate and stereotype and judge than it is to figure out a way to bring people together. I need to know that my students are going to high school with the wherewithal to do that.” 

Maya challenged all students to be patient with themselves and to grow in their own time.

“Understand that – however you identify – it’s a long journey,” Maya said. “Show up, unapologetically, as yourself. Find your community.”