Valeria del Carmen

My name is Valeria, I live in León, Nicaragua, with my mother, my brother, my two aunts, and my grandmother. When I was a child, my father left us, and that caused me emotional wounds in my heart, and growing up I struggled with many insecurities that prevented me from being myself, always trying to fit in and change my way of being to "belong to a group." I found refuge in my studies because it was the only way I felt important.

During this time, I lived with hatred toward my father, but I was given the opportunity to go to a Young Life camp, where I heard the word of God, understood the meaning of forgiveness, and finally believed and gave all my burdens, hatred, and insecurities to God. This allowed those wounds to be healed with love, peace, security, and faith. I am currently the leader and coordinator for the municipality of Telica, guiding women's leadership, and I hope to encourage students and leaders every day.

Now a Developing Global Leader, my vision is to continue growing and learning, no matter the obstacles that arise, always keeping my eyes on my academic goals and allowing myself to grow professionally. I am attending Martin Lutero University and studying english. As a Young Life leader, this is an opportunity to keep impacting the lives of others, helping to strengthen faith and spiritual growth in every young person reached through the ministry, and using the tools that Jesus has placed in my hands. I will be the first in my family to graduate from university.