Local veteran hopes to inspire at risk youth have brighter futures

Ernie Mariscal, a local veteran in Brawley, looked to inspire at-risk youths in the community to overcome their hardships and build towards a brighter future.

Mariscal, who battled homelessness and abuse in his childhood used his past experiences to connect with students at the Renaissance Community Day School earlier Friday.

His message of hope and triumph over traumatic experiences, encouraged students that they can accomplish anything they set their mind to and not let their past define them.

“Of course they’re painful. And they hurt. But yet I’m using it be a beacon of light for them. So that they can know that it’s possible for them, whatever they’re going through in life. That it’s possible that they can conquer it as well,” said Mariscal.

Mariscal hopes to continue sharing his message to more students in the community.