It’s the summer after my junior year of college. I’m scrolling Indeed for a job that aligns with what I think I’ll find enjoyable and fulfilling - something in athletics that allows me to make a positive impact and not be stuck inside or sitting at a desk all day. I come across a posting by a company called Soccer Shots - “Youth soccer instructors needed for ages 2-8.” I apply, not thinking too deeply about it other than it seems like it will be a fun way to stay busy, contribute to my community, and make some money over the summer. 

In that moment, I had no idea that the universe was turning and conspiring to bring me to two people I needed to meet: Daniel and Stephanie Villegas. 

For the few months I worked for them at Soccer Shots, Daniel and Stephanie modeled leadership, entrepreneurship, and what it means to serve openly and completely in a way I had never before experienced in the workplace. It came as no surprise to me when a year or two after we met, they began deepening and furthering their call to service through the creation of Jungle Non Profit - an annual four day trip that provides a soccer tournament (and eventually a field) for kids under the age of 13 at Arnett Gardens (aka Jungle), one of the most impoverished areas of Jamaica. 

Our conversation contains so much wisdom and perspective - lessons in entrepreneurship and leadership, the importance of knowing and growing your values, how to create opportunities for service and purpose in your own life, and the beauty we open ourselves up to witness and experience when we choose to have faith in uncertain or challenging times. 

If you want to learn more about Daniel and Stephanie, Soccer Shots, and Jungle Non Profit, check out the following links to their Instagram and website:

@villegas1919 @stephaniiej @junglenonprofit @soccershotspbcnbc

https://junglenonprofit.com/
soccershots.com 

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