"I Just Want to be Somebody" Synopsis

“I Just Want to Be Somebody” offers a deeply personal reflection on the challenges confronting Honduras’ youth—especially the “ninis,” young people who are neither studying nor working. Drawing from Larry's doctoral research at The Ohio State University, the book gives voice to the struggles and aspirations of young Hondurans as they pursue dignity, opportunity, and purpose amid economic hardship, social instability, and pervasive violence.

Through firsthand interviews with students at a vocational school in Choluteca and powerful stories of migration and sacrifice, Larry and Angie Overholt reveal a recurring plea: “I just want to be somebody.” Heard in research settings and in the desperate words of a Honduran migrant at the U.S. border, this phrase emerges as a symbol of the resilience and hope that define an entire generation.

But this book is more than a study—it is a testimony drawn from the final 20 years (after Hurricane Mitch) of a 43-year missionary journey with World Gospel Mission. During this time, Larry and Angie witnessed the enduring, transformative power of Christian education and community development. The book celebrates God’s faithfulness, the impact of vocational training, and the vital role of mentoring young people as they discover their God-given potential.

Filled with lived experience, faith-driven insights, and practical ways to get involved, “I Just Want to Be Somebody” invites readers to look beyond statistics and join in God’s redemptive work in Choluteca, Honduras—and beyond.

I Just Want to Be Somebody has been published and may be purchased on Amazon using this link: bit.ly/3VVkf4h