At six years old, Yarelis Ortiz began participating in the Mayagüez Club and later in her life she began to represent them for Youth of the Year on December 2019. “At nine years old I joined the dance group of the Club. Five years later, I joined the science group. At 15 I participated in the art group, an opportunity that introduced me to what I really love. It also brought me gratifying experiences such as working on murals and exposing my artwork”.
As a youth spokesperson, the future graphic designer wishes to carry a message about the importance of improving the education of children and youth to eradicate child poverty. Another thing that she would like to help eradicate is prejudice towards people based on their place of origin. “I’ve lived in public housing since the day I was born, alone with my mother who suffers from epilepsy and I understand how difficult it is to overcome obstacles. But, I can also say that we can overcome these challenges if we educate ourselves and contribute to raise awareness for the main issues and the need to develop empathy. All human beings deserve respect and dignity”, emphasizes the twelfth-grade student.
What obstacle or challenge have you experienced?
“I currently reside and was raised at the Manuel Hernández Rosa Public Housing, better known as the Candelaria Public Housing of Mayagüez… I want to prove to others and especially to myself that the place where you live doesn’t define who you are. Although I recognize that fighting prejudice is not an easy task, prejudice exists all over the world. But, if we educate ourselves and create awareness and if people could manage to be more empathetic and rational, we could have a better world with less prejudice. All human beings deserve respect and dignity. We are all different and we have the right to be”.
What characteristics a leader must have?
“Some of the characteristics that a leader must have are: being authentic, honest, expressing and modeling respect for yourself and others. In addition, one must be humble and keep in mind the chosen path and how it began, commitment to what you do for people, especially youth. A leader must be visionary, take the initiative and be a role model”.