Jamilet Rivera

Jamilet, 16, has been playing soccer since the 7th grade. A people’s person who likes to make others laugh, Jamilet says she always tries to think about the positives. She’s continued playing soccer — at different positions — throughout middle and high school.

What do you enjoy most about playing soccer?
It helps me forget about many things and it’s the place where I feel stress free and can be myself and have nothing to worry about.

Besides soccer, what is something you are interested in?
Many things. For example, when I grow up I want to become a police officer and not only that but I want to be able to change the way they are viewed out here. I want to be the person that changes the negativity in polices.

What are you most looking forward to about participating in the 2018 Street Child World Cup in Russia?
I am interested in learning new things for sure and I am also interested in using what I learn to bring it to my community and turn it into something positive.