Being a student sponsor is so much more than just "writing a check"

Often a long term bond forms when a sponsor meets the student that they are supporting.
Alejandra was our first university student who I started sponsoring in March 2008. She tags me in Facebook posts about what she is doing and in photos of her son so I can see how he is growing. I love that Alejandra still shares her life with me all these years later. 

David is another student that I ​sponsored who still contacts me. We meet up every time that I am on Isla. Many sponsors have attended their student's graduation ceremonies, weddings and family birthday parties. Students become like family members and they are very appreciative of the help they have received from their sponsors. The students often refer to their sponsors as Godparents.

​Recently sponsors Marie and Nick were honored to attend a family event with David who is a former scholarship student.

Marie posted "Being part of this program gives you unexpected opportunities, like being invited to the civil 'registration' of your former student's baby. Love it! Thanks to David (and Sirly) for including us. It was an interesting slice of life. I cherish my relationship with him."