Kamaya Smith

## Kamaya Janice Smith

**Kamaya Janice Smith** is the main protagonist of the graphic novel series of her name. As a young and introspective girl, Kamaya's journey unfolds with grace and resilience. Born with autism and grappling with anxiety, she navigates the complexities of her world with a gentle spirit and a profound love for art. With her faithful companion, Cuddles the magical teddy bear, Kamaya embarks on an extraordinary adventure of self-discovery, creativity, and the power of imagination. Through her unique perspective and unwavering determination, Kamaya inspires readers of all ages to embrace their true selves and find the magic within.

## Backstory

Kamaya Janice Smith was born on October 25, 2000, in the vibrant city of Atlanta, Georgia. At just 18 months old, she was diagnosed with autism, presenting her family with unique challenges as they nurtured and supported her through the ups and downs, including the occasional meltdowns. Despite the hurdles she faced, Kamaya's resilience shone through. At the age of five, Kamaya began to find her voice and started speaking, marking a significant milestone in her journey. Currently, she attends Union Elementary School as a fifth-grader, where she continues to grow and learn alongside her peers.

On her 11th birthday, just before starting a new school year, Kamaya receives a remarkable gift from her beloved grandmother, Lillian—a magical turquoise teddy bear named Cuddles. This special teddy bear was once Lillian's own cherished companion during her childhood. Initially filled with apprehension, Kamaya soon discovers that Cuddles can talk and reveals that he is a magical teddy bear from a realm called Imagineria. Lillian had taken care of Cuddles when she was a young girl, just like Kamaya. As Kamaya and Cuddles form a deep bond, they embark on extraordinary adventures together. Cuddles grants Kamaya a magical paintbrush, her most treasured tool, along with other enchanted art supplies. With these extraordinary gifts, Kamaya can bring her creations to life, overcome challenges, unravel mysteries, and explore Atlanta, Imagineria, and other mysterious realms filled with enchanting escapades. Through their shared experiences, Kamaya and Cuddles navigate the boundaries between reality and imagination, discovering the wonders that await them on their journey. Together, they embrace the power of creativity, forging a path of self-discovery, friendship, and the boundless magic that lies within the depths of their imaginations.

## Characteristics

### Personality

Kamaya possesses a unique and endearing personality that shapes her character throughout the story. She is very shy, displaying a gentle and reserved nature. Her sweetness and friendliness shine through, even though she may struggle with social interactions due to her anxiety and autism. Kamaya finds it challenging to make friends and be socially engaged with her classmates, often avoiding eye contact. Instead, she prefers spending time alone, immersing herself in her thoughts and creative pursuits.

Kamaya's imagination knows no bounds, fueling her creativity and artistic passion. Art holds a special place in her heart, and she dreams of becoming a skilled artist someday. It is through her artwork that she can truly express herself and find solace. However, her autism presents certain struggles, making it difficult for her to adapt to changes and cope with chaotic or loud environments. Kamaya is sensitive to stimuli that may go unnoticed by others, leading to moments of overwhelm and panic.

Stimming, which includes actions like rocking her body, flapping her hands, and wandering around, provides Kamaya with a sense of comfort and self-regulation. Personal space is essential to her, and she dislikes being touched or invaded in that regard. When faced with overwhelming situations, Kamaya may become uncontrollably overemotional and shed tears, especially if she feels upset, overwhelmed, or is subjected to teasing or mockery.

Despite her challenges, Kamaya possesses inner strength and resilience, particularly when it comes to protecting those she cares about, including Cuddles, her family, and others she trusts. She finds the determination to overcome obstacles, even if it means stepping out of her comfort zone.

## Powers/Abilities

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## Trivia

* Kamaya shares the same birthday and birth year as the creator.
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