Emily Velazquez, SAF Levante Leadership Institute youth member
My name is Emily Velazquez and I am a very strong person. The circumstances I had to go through have shaped me into the person I am today. My parents are originally from Michoacan, Mexico. I try to visit each year to see my family and spend time with them. Everything is much better in Mexico. When I visit, I feel as if I am stress-free and I don’t worry about anything. On the other hand, here in America I am always stressed and feel trapped.
The reason I am in Levante is because I want to make a change in my community. I want farmworkers' voices to be heard and for equal laws to be established. I am most excited to learn more about how and what I can do to make a change. I am most afraid of not succeeding in life. Even though there might be many bumps on the road, nothing is impossible.