LA Rams Internship helps homeless students overcome all obstacles in pursuit of success

“That Rams playoff was my first playoff. It’s amazing because the energy of a playoff versus a regular season is in this world. Out of this galaxy. I yelled. Big enough to tie your head!” Merchain said.

For the 24-year-old South Los Angeles native, the Rams organization changed his life.

The fall internship helped him tackle homelessness, food insecurity and helped him gain real-world experience in the workplace.

Just like in football, Merchain has had many hits in life. Now, he is studying political science at the City University of Pasadena.

“My ultimate career aspiration is to run for President of the United States of America,” Merchain said.

What you won’t know is Merchain by all accounts still homeless, living in a room through Project Roomkey. He has lived in 32 foster homes and three group homes during his lifetime.

Merchain said he ran away at the age of 13 after being sexually abused at the hands of a foster carer.

“I had to fend for myself, so I ended up living on Skid Row for about a month and a half,” he said.

He had never met his parents and had never known the comfort of returning to a safe, permanent home. But through it all, he is thriving.

Merchain said: “Just motivation, I believe it is my dedication and desire to succeed.

With the support of the nonprofit Brotherhood Crusade, Bank of America, and the Rams, Merchain completed a 100-day internship in the Rams community affairs department. An opportunity that he calls a life-changing opportunity and for which he is most grateful.

“I had to go through so much to not become successful,” says Merchain.

The cherry on top of a year is huge for this inspirational young man, given the fact that the Rams are vying to advance to the Super Bowl.