The students you’ll meet below are determined, resilient, and full of hope. Despite facing significant financial challenges, they are working hard to pursue their education and create brighter futures for themselves, their families, and their communities. Each one has a unique story of perseverance and a dream they are determined to achieve.
Angelica
Angelica lives in a small house made of block and cane with her elderly parents, who never had the chance to learn to read or write. Her mother (left) suffers from severe arthritis among other chronic conditions and is no longer able to work, making it difficult to meet their needs. Despite these challenges, Angelica is determined to continue her education and create a better future for herself and her family.
Jaquelin
Jaquelin’s dream is to become a nurse and help her community value their health. Growing up in a household where finances are tight, her family makes a living weaving traditional blouses. When high school seemed impossible, Jaquelin’s dedication earned her a scholarship to continue her studies. Now, she is determined to achieve her dream in order to change her life and empower her community.
Irma
Irma is a single mother and the primary provider for her household, working at an ice cream shop to support her 11-year-old son. The only other support she has is her widowed mother. Despite her challenges, Irma sees it as a personal goal to overcome her circumstances, continue her studies, and become a nurse — a dream that would change her life and allow her to give back to her community.
Gilda
Gilda’s passion for health led her to work as a health promoter, where she helps others care for their well-being. This experience has inspired her to take the next step and become a nurse, allowing her to have an even greater impact on her community. She lives with her mother and father in an block house and remains determined to achieve her goal of furthering her education and helping others.
Myrka Vanesa
Myrka Vanesa has been passionate about health from a young age, seeing it as a way to help both her community and her family. Growing up without a father, she now works alongside her mother to decorate blouses, together they earn just 25Q ($3.20) a day. Despite these challenges, she remains determined to pursue her dream of a career in healthcare.