Starlin Javier

My name is Javier Rodríguez. I live in the city of Santiago in the Dominican Republic with my mother, grandmother and three uncles. When I was seven years old, my great grandmother passed away. This made a huge impact on my family, she was a very caring and compassionate individual and the pillar of strength for each of us. That same year, I was in an accident that put me in the hospital, resulting in many bone fractures and internal injuries. Due to the grace of God, I was able to recover.

Shaped by the events that happened in my early childhood, and my family’s commitment to being involved in the church, I have believed in God my entire life. I began attending Young Life and my leaders helped me understand how to read the Bible, and how to form a strong relationship with God. I have been blessed with a strong community that has been there for me in the hard times and the good times. Having a relationship with God has changed everything in me, the way I see life and how I love and forgive others.

As a Developing Global Leader, I will be attending the University of Santiago to study mathematics. I am proud to become the first person in my family to attend college, and hope to use my degree to help grow the iron shop I have been working in. I will continue to lead Young Life, compelled to tell teenagers about the love of Jesus.