Photographs by Hector Gutierrez
"I've known NaCyla for a few years now, and it's no surprise to me that she still is the happiest person I've ever met. Seeing her reminds me that to access the good things in life, one simply must believe they exist. She channels everything she does with a joyful attitude: a reminder for the rest of us that sometimes happiness can be a choice. Despite of the challenge at hand, she tackles problems with enthusiasm, treating them as blessings. She knows that in the end, she'll come out a stronger, wiser, and more adaptable person. I admire her for many things, but mostly for her spirituality and "Day Seven" energy, which never fails to put me in the best of moods, and has taught me that there is always something in life to smile about."
– Hector Gutierrez
WHAT NEEDS OUR ATTENTION?
The identity crisis in our generation. People are searching for who they are and where they belong. This lack of belonging and identity stems from a lack of love and a realization that there is a God who loves us so recklessly. A lack of love resulting in an uncertainty in who we are is what our generation SHOULD be paying more attention to.
HOW IMPORTANT HAS FAILURE BEING IN YOUR LIFE?
I have never truly encountered a loss in my life. Every unfortunate circumstance I have found myself in, which in the moment may have felt like a lost, was a lesson in disguise. With this in mind, failure has been such an essential part of my journey and learning how to not simply dwell in it but learn from it and move on and do better next time.
HOW DO YOU DEFINE SUCCESS?
I define success by how many people are better off because I lived. Because I existed how many people’s lives have been changed for the better!
WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU´VE EVER RECEIVED?
There is no such thing as failing you can never fail. You either succeed or you quit and you don’t look like a quitter so never give up on your dreams, you have to be willing to suck consistently before you can get better and see success in any area of your life.
WHAT DO YOU HOPE NEVER CHANGES?
How good grape juice and crushed ice taste together.
WHAT IS ONE CAUSE YOU´RE PASSIONATE ABOUT?
I am passionate about providing equitable education to every human being and uniting the world through music and Jesus’ love!
WE NEED MORE:
Impossible burgers and meatless meat options they run out of them too quickly at restaurants lol.
WHO IS NACYLA WILEY?
Who is NaCyla Wiley? NaCyla is a confident yet humble god fearing loving women. More intelligent then she cares to let on and is told time and time again that she is a natural born leader yet hates the spotlight. NaCyla is an immense lover of people. Her heart is to serve and give of herself to impact the lives of those in need. She is an avid traveler and loves experiences cultures that differ from her own. With a love for hearing the stories of others travel helps to not only expand her world view but increase her desire to find the need of individuals and meet it!
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A CREATOR? HOW YOU DO MANIFEST YOUR CREATIVITY?
I manifest my creativity through the arts. Whether it be musically, poetry or spoken word my creative juices flow best when I am partaking in one of these activities.
HOW DID SACRED HEART SHAPE YOUR CAREER AND PURPOSE?
Meeting my best friends at SHU and being rooted now spiritual at a near by church near Sacred Heart called New Vision International Miniseries my purpose has definitely been shaped as a result of being in Connecticut. Going on missions’ trips to places like to Colombia, Senegal and Nepal also helped me to realize how much I enjoy hearing other people’s stories and genially have a desire to travel the world and make impact by helping others. I want to give people hope and having these experiences while at SHU helped me to see this in a fresh perspective and even greater light.
WHAT ARE YOU PROUDEST OF?
Proudest of the association that I am surrounded by my friends, my mentors, my family. I am so incredibly proud and thankful for the type of people I am surrounded by.
