There’s only one month left before our first Amigos are headed into the field, and we are so excited! To showcase some of these incredible young leaders heading to Latin America this summer, we will be sharing “Amigos of the Week,” an ongoing series highlighting them. Here are this week’s Amigos:

James Rodriguez

Project: Palmares, Costa Rica
Location: Portland, Oregon
Favorite food: Pizza🍕
Pets: German Shepherd and a couple of Chihuahuas
Llama or Sloth: Sloth
Favorite band/artist: Orange Rex County and Childish Gambino
What’s your superpower? I’m very good at cards! We played a lot of cards on my AMIGOS trip to Panama, and that’s how I got the superpower!
What are you most excited to do this summer in Latin America? To meet other participants and have a great time with my host family!
Why did you decide to do AMIGOS? Last year I went to Coclé, Panama for six weeks and I had such a great time in country. I enjoyed it so much and was happy with what I had done, so I decided I’d do it again in a different country.
Favorite sport or team: Tennis. I’ve been playing since the second grade.
Favorite book: Twelfth Night by Shakespeare
What do you want to be when you grow up? I want a career where I can travel while meeting new people and helping out.
Describe yourself in 5 words or less: Happy to meet new people!
What’s something you want people to know about you? I want people to know I’m happy whenever I’m with anyone. I enjoy talking to people and creating memories. To enjoy your AMIGOS trip, you have to really open yourself up and everyone will want to get to know you. I hope I get the chance to get to talk to you!

 

 

Astrid Hooper Lofton

Project: Coclé, Panama
Location: Madison, Wisconsin
Favorite food: Red bean buns
Pets: A cat named Helga
Llama or sloth? Sloth
Favorite band/artist: Seafret
What’s your superpower? Writing last minute essays
What are you most excited to do this summer in Latin America? To practice my Spanish and meet my partner in community.
Why did you decide to do AMIGOS? I wanted to be able to travel to other countries and experience new things.
Favorite sport or team: Softball
Favorite book: A Man Called Ove
What do you want to be when you grow up? I want to help the environment through political reform.

 

 

 

Amelia Holmes-Anderson

Project: Discover AMIGOS Costa Rica
Location: Chicago, IL & Evanston, IL
Favorite food: Marshmallow cookies I tried in Mexico
Pets: A tropical fish and my dog Lucy
Llama or sloth? Llama
Favorite band/artist: 21 Piløts
What’s your superpower? I can take breathtaking photos!
What are you most excited to do this summer in Latin America? To meet new people and to help the sea turtles. I want to rid the sea of plastic and learn more about wildlife conservation!
Why did you decide to do AMIGOS? My friend invited me and it sounded like fun.
Favorite sport or team: Chicago Cubs
Favorite book: The School for Good and Evil
What do you want to be when you grow up? A photographer
Describe yourself in 5 words or less: Funny, Caring, Loud, and Strong
What’s something you want people to know about you? I may seem quiet at first, but I can be a really outgoing person once I get to know you!