Hailing from South Bend, Indiana, Marivel Lopez ’22 graduated with a major in psychology and plans to pursue a future in social work helping kids in need of guidance and acceptance.

“One of my courses involved students giving back to the community. My way of giving back was by visiting the Juvenile Justice Center every week for my Common Good class. I really connected with the girls at the center and discussed serious topics to help their futures,” said Lopez on what ignited her desire to pursue this field.

During her college journey, she connected with the Boys and Girls Club here in South Bend.

“My tasks involved giving the kids an opportunity to by themself and feel safe. I guided them to express their talent in art by creatively and positively creating something meaningful to them. Day by day, I became more determined to work with the youth,” noted Lopez.

“The diversity and the open arms I was given when visiting the campus. I also liked how small the campus was so that I could really engage with my classmates and the professors,” said Lopez.

“On the last day of my internship journey, the kids and my coworkers surprised me with a video of so much appreciation. One girl had said she really looked up to me as who she wants to be when she gets older cause I face every struggle or battle head-on instead of trying to avoid it. She also admired how dedicated I was to help all the kids no matter who they were,” recalled Lopez.

“My plans are to work within my South Bend community and impact the youth in any way possible. If I am helping one kid in need then I know that I am doing what God created me for,” said Lopez.