Student Spotlight: Angel Rodriguez

Youth Champion Graduate Spotlight

As we celebrate the 5-Year Anniversary of Youth Champions, we are excited to share the stories of a recent program graduate and a student that is about to graduate from college this year.

Angel Rodriguez, UCLA, Political Science Freshman
2022 Youth Champions Graduate at the Huntington Park Institute of Applied Medicine

Being a Youth Champion, I have developed a new positive outlook on life. The program provided me with the opportunity to read empowering books and to meet leading professionals from various industries and get personalized advice. I also learned financial management skills so I could better save money to pay for my college while also being able to treat myself. Now as a UCLA student I am working towards my bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a minor in Public Affairs. When I am not studying, I work as a community representative at the UCLA Chicanx/Latinx LLC so that I continue my passion of helping others just like Youth Champions has helped me, ensuring equal access to academic resources in an environment that celebrates Latino culture.

A piece of advice I would give to current Youth Champions is to never lose sight of your goals. Despite the adversities you may face, as long as you keep true to yourself and keep working for a better future, things will get better. Results may not be immediate but through dedication they will be apparent.