Conversation with Carolina

Carolina Iguago shared more of her journey and how it has shaped her life. Below are her answers in her own words.

What part of your childhood most influenced the woman you are today?

Growing up in a close-knit community and experiencing vulnerable situations shaped the woman I am today. Those experiences taught me valuable lessons, and during difficult times, many people stood by my family and me. Their support showed me the importance of kindness, community, and helping one another.

What was the hardest moment in your journey?

One of the hardest moments was when my family moved from our rural community to a more urban area so we could be closer to school and work. It was a big change. We had to adapt to a different lifestyle, new neighbors, less security, and a new sense of identity. Building relationships with classmates was also challenging.

Looking back, however, I am deeply grateful for that season. It opened the door to new places, new experiences, and opportunities that helped shape the life I have today.

What is something you learned from working with migrant children in Germany that you still carry with you today? How did working with the children strengthen your calling to serve?

The migrant children I worked with in Germany became my greatest teachers. They taught me kindness, empathy, and resilience. They showed me that even in the middle of uncertainty, there is always room for hope and a new beginning.

They also taught me that during life's hardest moments, caring communities and support networks help people keep going.

Although I was far from home, those children welcomed me with patience and love I never expected. Without saying a word, they helped me see the world with greater gratitude and compassion. They reminded me that everyone carries a different story, and every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.

That experience strengthened my calling to serve because it brought me face to face with people's real lives. It wasn't just theory; it was listening, being patient, and caring through everyday actions. I discovered that serving others means showing up consistently in someone's life, even with a small act of kindness. It was there that I decided to dedicate my life to working with people and becoming a teacher.

What is one story from Sumak that has stayed with you?

I will never forget the story of "Marcela," a single mother of three children.

Her first husband died while working in construction. After his death, she received no support from his family, and although her own parents were always present, they didn't have the financial resources to help her.

Hoping to build a better future, she took out a loan to buy a home. But supporting a family of four while paying off debt, caring for a newborn, and doing it all alone became overwhelming. There were many days when they didn't even have enough food.

Despite everything, she never gave up.

A friend told her about Sumak shortly after her baby was born. When she first arrived, she looked exhausted, discouraged, and overwhelmed, but she had the courage to ask for help.

The journey wasn't easy, and change took time. However, with the support of many people, she received baby formula, diapers, medical care, and guidance on managing her financial situation.

What impacted me most was seeing how God opened doors when everything seemed impossible. Through that journey, she experienced God's love and decided to attend a local church with her children.

Today, she smiles again. She no longer feels alone. Life still brings challenges, and there will always be difficult days, but now she and her family know God, and they know they don't have to face those struggles alone.

How did Olympic wrestling shape your understanding of strength-physically, emotionally, and spiritually? Anything else you'd like to share about the Olympic experience?

Olympic wrestling completely changed the way I understand strength.

Physically, it taught me that our bodies are capable of far more than we often believe. Through discipline, dedication, and consistency, I learned that we can always improve, grow, and become stronger. Wrestling doesn't allow excuses. If you're not prepared, the mat will reveal it. But when you've given your best in training, you compete with confidence and peace.

Emotionally, wrestling became my greatest school of self-esteem and self-confidence. I learned to trust my body, to listen to it, to care for it, and to rest so I could come back stronger. I was never alone on that journey. My teammates, coaches, and family were essential sources of support.

Spiritually, my faith became my anchor. During the hardest days of training and the most intense moments of competition, I felt God's presence with me. Knowing I was not alone gave me peace and made all the difference.

The greatest lesson wrestling gave me is that true victory isn't just about winning a medal. It's about becoming a stronger, authentic, and more complete version of yourself.

What inspired you to begin volunteering at age 13, such a young age?

My parents worked long hours in flower plantations, so we did not have much time together. Even so, they wanted us to value every moment and make good use of our time.

My father often told me something that has stayed with me throughout my life:

"You can go anywhere and do whatever you want. But the choice is yours: will you do something that builds your life or something that takes away from it?"

Because of the freedom and trust my parents gave me, I looked for opportunities where I knew they would be proud of me. I wanted them to come home after a long day of work, ask me, "What did you do today?" and for me to have something meaningful to share.

So whenever there was an opportunity to participate in an activity, I joined. It was through those community programs that I discovered volunteering. They invited young people who were eager to learn and willing to help prepare materials, organize games, and support different activities. That was the beginning of my journey of serving others.

How do you hope your story will inspire others?

My greatest source of strength has always been my family.

I hope young people will believe in themselves, and I hope parents will raise their children with love, trust, and encouragement instead of limiting what they can become.

I also hope families will invest in one another; children will care for their parents just as parents care for their children. Love should be mutual. We should freely give affection and also be willing to receive it.

Finally, I hope people remember that family is something we build. Good friends, uncles, aunts, cousins, or even supportive coworkers can become family too. What truly matters is having people who love, encourage, and walk alongside you through life.

Anything else you would like to share?

And now, my daughter, don't be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character. Ruth 3:11