Scarlin

I live in Santo Domingo with my grandmother and younger brother. My parents were very young when I was born—my mom was sixteen and my dad seventeen. Because of their age and challenges, my dad didn’t legally recognize me, and I carry only my mother’s last name. While he helped financially, our relationship was distant. My grandmother stepped in and raised me. When I was eleven, my mom left the country to find better opportunities and hasn’t been able to return. Her absence during my growing years was one of the hardest parts of my life.

As I grew older, I had to take on more responsibility, especially with my younger brother, who began showing rebellious behavior. I also struggled in my faith—wanting to grow closer to God but often feeling tired and discouraged. Everything changed when I was fifteen and a neighbor invited me Young Life camp. There, I met Jesus in a personal and powerful way. I had always heard about God, but that moment made Him real to me. Jesus healed my heart and gave me new strength, love, and hope.

Now as a DGL, I’m studying Customs and Foreign Trade at the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo. I’m the first in my family to attend university. I want to grow in every way and become a strong, caring leader who serves others and shares God’s love.