Misael Espinoza, a senior at Malibu High School, likes to play soccer and spend time at the Boys & Girls Club, and this Youth Dolphin Award winner is involved with many organizations and projects.
Misael not only participates in the Make-A-Wish and Step Forward programs, he is also a bilingual translator for Malibu High and volunteers frequently at the Boys & Girls Club.
Misael became inspired to study language after struggling to learn English when he moved to Malibu. Now, his role as a bilingual translator allows Misael to help both his parents and siblings speak to teachers or administration without confusion. He also assists other Malibu High kids learn English by helping them with class work and enforcing continual practice of the language.
Espinoza is passionate about the organizations he volunteers for. In Step Forward, volunteers perform missions which range from planting gardens to playing cards with inner-city and under privileged young kids. Make-A-Wish is a program in which the volunteers such as Misael help kids with medical problems or special needs have fun, stretch their minds and make friends.
“You don’t have to do it for the money or recognition, you just have to do it to help others, and that’s why I’m involved with the program,” said Misael.
He also serves as a mentor to the kids of the Boys & Girls Club. He makes sure the young kids are keeping up with school, doing good things for their community and interacting with all types of people. With the Boys & Girls Club Misael petitions around town for donations for the homeless, traveling into Los Angeles and Malibu to give these donations to various shelters.
“Next year when I go to college, I only wish that I can continue to help people through the same and different organizations because it’s what I love and what makes me happy,” Misael said.