Activist, student, actress and volunteer. These are just a few of the words that Sherin Maldonado’s friends and relatives use to describe the 18 year old whose leadership abilities have come to make her stand out in the Hispanic community.
Just last week, in fact, the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce recognized Maldonado for the volunteer work she does in her community.
“She is a girl who inspires. She first came to the Chamber of Commerce with her mother and then she offered to start volunteering,” said Juanita Rivera, a GHCC employee who has experienced first-hand the talent and charisma Maldonado exudes.
In addition to volunteering, Maldonado, who traces her roots to Puerto Rico, also has experience in the acting world, having participated in several movies filmed in Atlanta. Her overall character and temperament will serve her well in the United States Armed Forces, where she is currently enlisted.
“I’m going into the Armed Forces because I’m enlisted there, and that’s also where I’m going to start my journalism studies,” explained a visibly excited Maldonado, after receiving her award from the GHCC.
For Maldonado, what today’s society needs is a more active youth.
“In order to be successful you have to stop dreaming. Young people need to work to get what they want,” she said, also pointing out the importance of volunteering and working for one’s community.
“To me, being a volunteer means giving something back to the community, it’s helping people without expecting anything in return, it’s the satisfaction of knowing that the work you do might transcend borders,” said Maldonado.
“When asked what she thinks about the Hispanic community who lives in the United States, Maldonado stated that “now is the moment to show how great we are.”
“Hispanics have grown so much in this county that now we are a force, so what we need to do is show that talented and great side that we have,” she added.
For Maldonado’s parents, a child’s success depends largely on the strength he or she receives from family and friends.
When describing Sherin, her parents say that she is a young woman with a brilliant mind, who is talented and capable of accomplishing anything she desires.
“The support of friends and family is essential, but especially from the parents,” assured Millie Boyers, Maldonado’s mother.
In the same way, Maldonado’s parents believe that their daughter possesses the courage and both the physical and mental capabilities necessary to participate in military training.
“She is a woman of strong character, so I don’t doubt that she will be successful in the Armed Forces,” said 1st Sgt. Nelson Rosado, regarding Maldonado’s qualifications and leadership abilities.
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