Hola! I’m Samuel Rodas, born and raised in Colombia. I grew up in a small mountain town known for its coffee production. In fact, the region where I lived is called the Coffee Axis because coffee plants are everywhere! Growing up there was amazing. Imagine waking up to mountains covered in coffee plants and watching trucks constantly transporting the harvest.
When I was eleven, my mom decided it was time for us to move to the United States to live with my dad. It was a tough decision for both of us. We had to leave most of our belongings behind, but the hardest part was saying goodbye to our family and friends. Even though the transition was difficult, I’m grateful for the opportunity to live in the U.S. because it has given me a better future.
Two years ago, in 2023, I received the exciting news that I had been accepted into New York University. Going to college wasn’t just a dream come true for me; it was also my mom’s long-term goal for me to have a better future.
At NYU, I’m studying economics with the hope of working in the public sector. My goal is to help improve the lives of people who lack the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.
Along the way, I’ve also discovered new interests.
