Welcome back to another episode of The Defying All Odds Podcast!In this episode, our cohost Rafael Cedeño reunites with a long lost childhood friend - Justin Rodriguez, a current US Peace Corps member who has just returned from Morocco. Born and raised in Washington Heights, NY, Justin shares an incredible journey that embodies the triumph of resilience and self-belief. He opens up about the uncertainty he felt after college, confessing that before the Peace Corps and his study abroad in Paris, he was genuinely lost. His path to clarity wasn't easy: from working at CVS during the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic and dealing with depression, to making the bold decision to leave his comfortable environment. But instead of settling, he ignited a radical personal transformation: a bold study abroad in Paris, followed by an impactful three-year commitment in the Peace Corps in a rural Moroccan town. Here, Justin wasn't just observing; he was integrating, mastering the local dialect of Darija and dedicating himself to youth development. He shares how the burning desire to empower his students—who dreamed of studying engineering in London—became his fuel on the toughest days, a raw testament to the power of purpose. Now, Justin's relentless application and self-belief have culminated in a fully funded acceptance to pursue a Master’s in Global Politics at the world-renowned London School of Economics (LSE)! If you take away anything from this conversation, anyone that is struggling to find their path can prove that when you silence the self-doubt, ignore the statistics, and fully commit to your own potential, you become the author of your own extraordinary story. 🔔 Don't forget to like, comment, share, and subscribe for more inspiring stories! 🔔Justin RodriguezEmail: Justinnrodriguez123@gmail.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/justin.n.rodriguez/As always, thank you for listening in and be sure to check out The Defying All Odds Podcast On YouTube, Spotify, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, FaceBook, Threads, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music and contact us via email. LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/thedefyingalloddspodcast#travel #morocco #college #motivation #religion