angelica

Angelica is an exceptional and resilient young woman from Leon, Nicaragua. Her family is made up of her grandmother, her aunt and nephew. Angelica's mother had her when she was very young, has faced many difficulties including an ongoing battle with addiction and now lives abroad. Angelica shares, “Most of my childhood was very lonely living in an alcoholic environment with my mother and I never met my father. The absence of my parents left a mark on me as I longed for love and attention from them during my childhood.”

Angelica met Jesus at Young Life camp at the age of fifteen. In her words, “It was a super special meeting in which I could feel His embrace and how He took my heart. That moment became an immediate impetus for change in my life. I had totally hit rock bottom; I was without vision, without love and alone. I knew it was time to write a new story with Jesus.” Angelica connected with Young Life through meetings and the people who opened their arms to receive her. In Young Life, she found a family that supported her at all times, often relying on their strength when she had none.

Now a Developing Global Leader, she is studying psychology at the Autonomous University of Nicaragua. She hopes to create greater awareness of mental illnesses and to help individuals grow and heal. Her goal is for her knowledge in the field of psychology to go hand in hand with her faith and leadership skills as she ministers to teens. Ultimately, Angelica wants to go on Young Life staff and open new clubs in unreached areas of Nicaragua. Angelica will be the first in her family to graduate from university.