Graduate Profiles
Another reason I love December is that it is GRADUATION SEASON!
Llike I do each year, I'll be sharing a bit about each one and their unique journey, so you can get to know them a bit better. Enjoy the photos and learning a little more about each one of these special students. And as always, thank you for investing in these young lives and celebrating their huge achievement!
To start things off, I’d like to highlight the graduate who we’ve been sponsoring since 2nd grade. Yes, 2nd grade! We met him and his family when he was just beginning his academic journey, and it’s been such a privilege to see him make it all the way through! Josue was just a tiny little kid, growing up in a single mom household, always on Honor Roll, and he has now matured into a great, dedicated, grateful, and hardworking young man! He is graduating with a degree in Automotive Mechanics, and already has a job waiting for him due to his excellent work in his senior internship. Growing up in his community, he was presented with all kinds of temptations, but he decided to choose a better path and thanks God for all the ways He guided and protected him. He recognizes all the people who have helped him along the way - starting with his mom who worked hard to support him every step of the way, and this ministry that made it possible for him to continue his education and make his mom proud!
Our next graduate is Katteryn, who graduates this year with her high school diploma specializing in Electricity. Her family is extremely proud of her achievement, and she’s not done yet. She plans to continue her studies, opening up more doors for her future than what her parents had. During her time in high school, some of her favorite activities were group projects with her classmates and the many civic holidays they celebrated. We are so proud of Katteryn, and excited for her big future!
Cesar is our next soon-to-be graduate, proud to be graduating with a degree in Electronics from the local technical high school. Cesar has persevered through a lot to make it this far, including serious set backs during COVID and lots of people who doubted his abilities, but he never gave up. When asked about his future plans, he cites Matthew 6:33: Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. We know that if Cesar keeps pursuing the Lord, he will lead him to the right path for him! Pictured below is Cesar (red striped shirt) with his family and working on one of his school projects.
This year the majority of our graduates are young men, so we have yet another one to celebrate today! Dennis and his family are so excited to be celebrating his graduation, receiving a degree in Accounting and Finance. He is firm in his plans to continue into the university after graduation, currently considering the majors Civil Engineering or International Business. He encourages other students to realize that while getting an education is difficult, it's worth the hard work and he’s grateful for all the support he had along the way! Dennis has always been an exemplary student getting excellent grades and always challenging himself to be better. We know he has what it takes to take on the university and beyond! Below he is pictured with his classmates (Dennis is far right) and doing service projects in his high school.
The next graduate to celebrate is Edwin! For his career track in high school, he chose Automotive Mechanics and he is excited to go to work in that field after graduation, hoping to one day open his own shop. He learned a lot during his academic journey, but some of his favorite moments come from time with his classmates and his final senior internship getting real work experience and putting into practice everything he had learned. We are so excited for Edwin’s big future! Below he is pictured with his family and learning in his senior internship.
Representing for the young women is newly graduated Sindi, so proud to have finally achieved her degree in Computer Science. She states that the most important thing she learned throughout her studies was how to be responsable and manage many tasks and assignments at once. She encourages others to not give up and persevere towards their dreams. During her time in high school, she also received courses on varying skills, specifically enjoying the one on cosmetology. Sindi has been raised her whole life by her grandmother (pictured below), and her unwavering support despite very scarce resources made a huge difference in helping her reach this goal!
Next up is Neivin, on of our students from Suntule, graduating with a degree is Accounting and Finance. After graduation, he is looking forward to finding a job and possibly continuing his studies in the university. Reflecting back on his academic journey, he remembered being very intimidated by the last few years of high school, but he quickly realized that if he put in some hard work, he was more than capable of this achievement! He walks away with some great memories, including competing in the school’s soccer tournament, his favorite economics class, and his senior internship! Pictured below is Neivin with his mom and sister and working in his internship.
Carlos is our next graduate, celebrating his degree in Computer Science from the local Los Pinos high school. He hopes to quickly find a job, saving up both for university fees as well as helping his family with much needed repairs to their house. During his studies, he learned things such as computer repair which was difficult, but in the end he learned to enjoy it. He also gained experience with things like web page design and photoshop. We are so proud of Carlos, and praying with his for job opportunities for him soon!
Last but not least is a very special young woman, Katia, and I had the privilige of attending her graduation ceremony just this week! I know we shouldn’t have favorites, but my time walking alongside Katia has been so special, and we’ve formed a very special bond, trying to give her some support to lean on as she really has no family members with which to do so. Against all odds she has made it to this huge achievement, due to God’s protection over her life and an inner strength that is so, so rare. She is hoping that this degree in Computer Science will open doors for her future, allowing her cover her basic needs - food and shelter. She ended her questionnaire with the simple phrase, “I loved to go to school,” with a little heart next to it. Without outside support, she never would have had that opportunity. But God is good and blessed her with this chance, and we pray His hand on her every step forward!
