Dela's journey was far from easy. Raised in challenging circumstances, her family struggled to make ends meet. Despite their own hardships, they ensured that their children had what they needed. Dela faced not only economic difficulties but also the cruelty of school bullies. She stood out due to her height and weight, towering over her peers at 5'9 and 210 pounds by 7th grade. This led to isolation and a tough childhood.
However, Dela's defining moment came when she "bloomed." On a day when her tormentors targeted her little sister, she couldn't bear it any longer. In a surge of uncontrollable anger, Dela's powers awoke, forcefully restraining the bullies on the school bus. The incident ended with the bus embedded nearly four feet into the ground. When she returned to school, hurtful words were scrawled on her locker, branding her as an outcast. The turning point arrived when a representative from Amandla's school system approached her family. They discussed placing Dela in a school where she could be with others like her, Phenosapiens and Xeniths. Dela was determined not to leave her family behind, but little did she know that plans were already underway to relocate them all.
For Dela, her powers became a precious gift. They granted her the ability to shield those who couldn't defend themselves and, most importantly, lifted her family out of poverty to a better life.
Dela's story in TEMPLE High is one of resilience, transformation, and the discovery of a newfound purpose. It's a tale of overcoming adversity and embracing her unique abilities to protect others and her loved ones.
