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Jessica Guzman says her biggest challenge was moving to Buenos Aires, Argentina, in order to complete her international social work internship.
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Personal: 25, single.
Occupation: Counselor at the Office of Minority Student Affairs at the University of Rochester.
Community activities: Puerto Rican Youth Development and Resource Center Inc. board of directors secretary; Latino Professional Alliance at the University of Rochester secretary.
My favorite thing to do in Rochester: In addition to playing with my beautiful 6-year-old godson, Brandon, and his twin brothers, Michael and Anthony, or hanging out with my amazing boyfriend, Brian, I love to go to Charlotte beach and walk in the sand or along the boardwalk and then get a treat at Abbott's Frozen Custard.
What I'm reading now: A Long Way Home — Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah.
Biggest challenge I've overcome and how I did it: My biggest challenge was moving to Buenos Aires, Argentina, in order to complete my international social work internship at the International Network of Ecoclubes. Apart from knowing where I was going to live and my internship, I knew no one in the city of Buenos Aires. I was embraced with open arms and was able to make friends quickly. Over the five-month experience, I traveled to different parts of Argentina and got a genuine sense of the culture and people. It was a challenging transition that resulted in a rewarding and unforgettable experience.
The best advice I ever received: My father and mother have always been supportive of my lofty goals and always said, "Happiness finds us when we follow our dreams."
One thing I've always wanted to do but never have: Travel to Africa and facilitate, coordinate or volunteer for a program that benefits the youth.
Something people don't know about me: I speak English, Spanish and Portuguese. In addition to living in Buenos Aires, Argentina, I have lived in Madrid, Spain. I also received a fellowship to volunteer at Casa Limiar, an orphanage for abandoned and disabled children located in São Paulo, Brazil, and lived there for a brief period of time.
What I do to relieve stress: I get a massage once a month at the Retreat House Massage and Wellness Center on East Avenue, where my masseuse, Birgith Dachtler, takes away all my stress.
My biggest guilty pleasure: Mint chocolate chip ice-cream (it cures everything).
The one thing I can't live without: My cell phone, Google Chat and my Outlook and Google calendars. They keep me organized and connected.
As a child, I always wanted to be: The first Latina astronaut to travel to Mars, due to the influence of my Uncle Jorge who was in the Navy. Then I changed my mind when my father, a librarian, brought home career books for a school project. I decided to be a pediatrician because I was fascinated with medicine and wanted to help sick children.
The song that best describes my life: "Ríe y llora" by Celia Cruz.
What people say about her: Gladys Pedraza-Burgos, a fellow board member on the Puerto Rican Youth Development and Resource Center: "She is a very intelligent and passionate person who always lends her energy and creativity. She is definitely one of our true emerging leaders."
