Where Are They Now? Jessika Orozco - Youth Tour 2008

For this issue, we talked story with Jessika Orozco, an alumnus from Youth Tour 2008. Jessika is from Hanapēpē and graduated from Kamehameha Schools, Kapālama Campus. She is communications professional and content creator living in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. 

Aloha, Jessika. What's your favorite memory from Youth Tour? 

My favorite memory from Youth Tour was meeting students from other co-ops. It was also my first time to the mainland! Facebook launched the year I went, and I remember everyone was so excited to stay in touch online. 

Youth Tour was also my first time to the mainland. We visited many memorable sites, but the Holocaust Museum and the Newseum left a lasting impression. In fact, the Newseum inspired me to major in Communications. Seeing all of the different methods of communicating the news overtime solidified my passion for storytelling and made me want to learn more. 

I also remember having dinner at Mount Vernon and the rosemary potatoes being amazing. I tell everyone about it all the time.  

Tell us about your path after graduation.

After high school, I attended Chaminade University of Honolulu and received my B.A. in communications mass media. I've had the pleasure of working in various communications, marketing, and public relations roles in the education and health industries since then. 

I also manage a personal blog, YouTube Channel, and social media profiles where I share my journey with intentional living and self-care—monthly resets, realistic planning videos, travel, reading vlogs, etc. With all that's going on in the world, I believe it's important to have safe spaces to share my voice because vulnerability is a superpower, not a weakness. 

I love connecting with my online community about these topics as they are an important part of my life. People can find me at @jessikalynorozco on Instagram and YouTube.  

What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time, I enjoy traveling, cozy hobbies such as crocheting, journaling, coloring, reading and managing my blog and YouTube channel. 

Your father works at KIUC. Do you have any memories of KIUC growing up? 

My dad started with KIUC a few years before I left for Kamehameha Schools. I remember going with my family to the summer picnics at Lydgate. It was always fun to see everyone at these annual events. 

KIUC has been a huge part of my life for many years. Aside from my dad working there and having the opportunity to go on Youth Tour, KIUC was my first job. For two or three summers I interned in the Member Services Department and in Communications. I'm so grateful for those early opportunities because they helped me get to where I am today. 

Which one of KIUC's Ho‘oka‘ana Waiwai shared values most resonates with you? 

Laulima resonates with me the most because I truly believe in the value of community. You don't need to do things alone, you just need to find the right people to support you. 

Above: Jessika and her husband Angel at Disneyland during Halloween.

Caption: Jessika with her niece and siblings. From left are Jessika, Moani, Kawehi, Ian, Camryn and Kaitlyn.