The Scholarship Program Students
Each student is supported by a team of sponsors. The number of students and sponsors change as students graduate and new students are brought into the program. We have successfully graduated more than 20 students from the program, helping some of these first students through both high school and college - a long term investment!
Most of the university students are in a four or five year program. Once they have completed their required courses they must complete their thesis or internship, which we have learned, can take a year or more to complete. Often the scholarship students still need to receive some financial assistance while working toward completing their thesis. After presenting their thesis the students must take the required exams before receiving their professional license. There are fees that the students must pay for the exams and license. The amount of the fees can vary from university to university as well as the professional field.
Alexis (Gibran) - Alexis is attending Universidad Del Sur in Cancún. “The degree that I am interested in now is Hospitality Management, and one of my biggest dreams is to hold my university degree in my hands.” Alexis has a deep love of learning and gives back to his community through volunteer work.
Brothers:
Cleyder – Cleyder is a university student studying Computer Programming and Engineering in Mérida. He has been given a new project, creating a website that the students administer and control the registered users, as well as sending a little message saying welcome to our site. He is a very hard worker and very dedicated.
Miguel – Miguel Jesus is studying Law at university in Mérida. During Culture week at university Miguel chose to talk about human rights and recently went to a school in a village close to Mérida to give the talk and teach about our rights. Both Miguel Jesus and his brother, Cleyder, travel back to Isla Mujeres often to visit their beloved Mother.
Conchi – Conchi is studying Nursing at university in Valladolid. She has been called to a career in the medical field and has wanted this since childhood. Conchi even volunteered at the Red Cross on weekends when she was in high school. Her older sister, Nelsy was one of the original students in the program. Conchi was chosen to intern in Merida this summer because she is at the top of her class and we are extremely proud of her hard work.
Diana - Diana is attending university in Cancun studying Business Administration. "In my family I am the only person that has finished high school and this is part of my motivation to keep studying along with those who have encouraged me to continue my studies.
I want to be a professional woman, useful in society and able to develop in any professional position in my work, and more than anything to be my father’s biggest pride." Diana works long hours going to school, doing her internship and taking care of her adorable baby, Mateo.
Edgar- Edgar grew up in the Guadalupana neighborhood of Isla Mujeres and has now started studying Civil Engineering at UADY in Merida, which is a prestigious University that is difficult to get into. Edgar's older brother, Abdiel, is one of our alumni and Edgar will be living with Abdiel while he's in school. Edgar is extremely excited for this opportunity and wants to make a difference by improving the infrastructure of his country.
Esperanza - Esperanza graduated from Cobay High School, just south of Merida in a town called Acanceh, but is originally from Isla Mujeres. She moved to Merida during her last year of high school and lived with extended family because it was better for her scholastically. She is now at University in Merida studying Nursing. Esperanza has dreamt of a career in the medical field for a long time and is excited about her education and the opportunity to help others.
Fernando – Fernando is attending school at Regional Technology University in Tekax, studying Accounting. He was born on Isla Mujeres and his family still lives on the island. Fernando says, “The thing I want most in life is to successfully finish my studies at the University and to be a licensed Accountant. Once I have finished my studies, I will be able to help my parents with whatever they might need.”
Geovanny - "After graduating with a degree in Psychology from university in Cancún, I plan to give back to my community where there is a need for my services and continue to spread the philosophy of humanism and service to people that I so strongly believe in." Geovanny's education and training will help the entire island through his work as a paramedic and with various other organizations.
Marisa - Marisa is studying Physical Therapy at University of Valladolid. She was born and raised on Isla Mujeres and has one sister and one brother, and her mother works to support them all. Her sister, Paola, is also in University and is a recipient of this same scholarship. Marisa's dream is to open her own physical therapy clinic one day, perhaps on Isla Mujeres, and mostly "to make my mother proud".
Miguel Angel - Miguel is studying Computer Engineering at university in Cancun. Miguel is the younger brother of Arley; who recently completed her studies and received her title and license to practice law. Miguel is very interested in learning to speak English and likes to practice his English (which is getting very good!) whenever he can. He also helps us choose laptops for our incoming students and helps everyone with computer issues and repairs.
Paola – Paola is a university student in Merida studying to be a dental surgeon. Paola would like to focus on Pediatric Dentistry. She took a lot of joy in speaking to school age children about the importance of good dental hygiene. Paola's first semester as a university student was a huge transition for her, but she is an excellent student in Dental school. She was very nervous after her first exams, worried she didn't do well, but when the results came out, she had the highest exam grade of anyone in her class!
Yuseli - Yuseli is a university student attending the Institute of Technology in Cancun studying Accounting. Yuseli postponed her studies for two years so she could work and save money. Her dream is to be able to support her younger sisters so they can get the education they dream of.
Students. From left to right, Cleyder, Miguel Canche, Miguel Jesus, Yuseli, Esperanza, Marisa, Conchi, Fabiola, Yazmin.