Jason Barahona

I was born in the Juticalpa, Olancho in the southeastern part of Honduras. That’s where my parents grew up and where they met, and that’s where I was born. At 2 years old, we moved to the States.

Honduras has always been a part of me. When I eat food at home, that’s what my mom makes. Every year around Christmas, we make a traditional drink called pinole, which is corn-based and it’s very good. I follow the Honduran national soccer team as well as the American national soccer team. I’ve always made it a point to remember my heritage as a Honduran, while also making it a priority to embrace the way I’ve grown up in the United States.

There are two things I always strive to do. One is always to learn. The second is to keep an open mind. I believe staying open helps you become passionate about other things because as soon as you decide you’ll keep an open mind, it allows you to strive for more and explore more things.

Being the Goshen City Council Youth Advisor is really important to me. As the youth advisor, I go to the city council meetings and I have a seat on the city council. I basically do what a regular council member does: I vote, I suggest things, I discuss issues. My vote doesn’t count as a real vote, but I’m there to represent what the youth wants.

I’ve tried really hard to keep in mind that I’m representing an entire student body. It’s not just about you in this role. You’re the voice. I’m thankful that Mayor Stutsman has given us an opportunity to have a voice. It’s so important.

This position has opened my eyes that I want to help more in the community. Goshen is –– I don’t want to call it a family because that sounds cheesy, but that’s kind of what it’s like. There are always people who are ready to help. I want to make sure I stay involved as I grow up. I don’t want that to be something I just say, but something I do.