Meet our next Youth Traveler: Marisa Rodriguez

I'm from SoCal and have Mexican roots. My "Abuelitos" (grandparents) are my inspiration- they were farm workers and the hardest working people I know. I'm a foodie, obsessed with reality t.v and engaged to my boyfriend of nine years. Growing up and transitioning out of foster care, my focus was on survival. I began traveling through study abroad programs in college and it quickly became a passion of mine. It is my dream to travel all of Latin America and continue to educate myself about the history and culture of other Latino countries. Joining FYCE this year in Peru will bring me closer to making this dream a reality, and for some of my peers it may be the start of a similar dream. I've received my Bachelor's in Social Work from CSULB. I want to broaden my understanding of community building, and learn from and grow with this experience, so it can inform my advocacy within the U.S.’ foster care system. Often times the U.S. is seen as the “model” country but other countries also make meaningful programs and interventions for youth that are disenfranchised/vulnerable and I am excited to learn more about them!