It is truly a joy to stop periodically and compare where we are now to where we were 15 years ago when I started working in Nicaragua with just a few kids. Now the fruits of our labor of love are ripening and we are seeing so many successes, it is hard not to burst with pride in our community. What I am most proud of is our individual approach. There is no single formula for all the children; each one receives individualized attention and direction. I am proud of our amazing team for their unrelenting passion and dedication, our kids for taking advantage of what they are being offered, and you for standing by them and supporting our work.. Sincerely, Kathy Adams Thank you for helping us offer so many kids opportunities to find their way in the world where they will make it a better place.
March, 2019
www.empowementinternational.org
In this interview, Aracely, 22 years old shares how Empowerment International impacted her life over the past 14 years. She is yet another example of how our students are growing up to be amazing young adults ready to give back to their world. “The first time I heard about Empowerment International, I was 8 years old. A teacher from EI came by my house and invited us to apply for the program. We were so poor then since my mother was the only one working at the time. My older sister and I (and later my little brother) were accepted in the program. This turned out to be a great help to us. We were offered uniforms,shoes, and school supplies. They visited us all of the time to help us with homework and make sure we never missed our classes. They also helped us with medical expenses if we needed assistance. When I graduated from primary school (6th grade), EI invited me to be part of a new program they were starting which was to study in a private high school in downtown Granada. We were a small group of students in this program the first year. Let me tell you, the first year was very hard! We had to adjust to the transition...we were in a school further from home, and where students had a much better primary school education then we had, plus they were not poor like us and this took some time to get used to. While it was hard for us to adjust at first, we are much better off today because we attended this school. Ever since I was a little girl, I knew I wanted to be a veterinarian. I have always loved animals and used to help injured ones whenever I could, especially my own pets. So, when I graduated from high school, I was very clear what my career choice was. I studied really hard so I could attend a university called Universidad Nicaraguense Agronomia (UNA). This is the very best veterinarian school in Nicaragua and it was very hard to get into. Sadly, I did not pass the exam the first time I took it. EI suggested I take a ‘gap’ year so I could prepare myself better for the following year. During my gap year, I also studied English and took computer classes. The next year the admission process changed for UNA. As part of the new admission process, they had all of the candidates attend pre-courses there where they would evaluate us. The days were long, and we had to leave at 6am to get the bus to Managua by 8AM. We hardly ever got home before 5 pm and sometimes much later, then we had to study and do homework. I remember If I did not understand something, I would end up in tears. My mother felt so bad and said, 'My dear daughter, I wish I could help you'. I could see the helpless and sad look on her face. I realized how hard it must have been for her not to have any opportunity like EI had given me. There were many times I wanted to give up during this period. And then there was the time I thought I was not going to be able to finish the final assignment which counted as part of my admission.The day before the due date, Lisseth from EI found me in the computer room crying out of frustration. She offered to help me but since EI was closing up for the night she took me to her home. We worked on my paper until 1AM. The next day I had to defend my paper with only a few hours of sleep. In the end, I was told I did not classify for my chosen career because there were too many applicants for it. They did offer me an option of studying industrial agriculture, but this was not even close to what I dreamed of. I felt completely crushed. When she found out, Kathy took me aside, she hugged me and told me everything would be ok. I felt a lot of support from her and many others. Kathy knew I really wanted to be a veterinarian. She asked around about other university options. Then she brought me to visit a private university in Jinotepe. She helped me apply there and I was accepted. She also found me a great sponsor who loves animals as much as I do. Her name is Melissa Palomo. Another great opportunity came for me shortly after I had started the university. Kathy introduced me to Dr. Jasson who is the director of a program called Nica Vets. Now I am interning as an assistant there two days a week and get to learn so much. This is such a great opportunity for me, one that my classmates at Jinotepe don’t have. I get to help with various types of operations and see many types of illness and injuries. NicaVets has helped me a lot with my school work if I am struggling, plus they give me materials I sometimes need. It’s been two years that I have been interning there. They treat me very well, they appreciate me a lot, and I love them. As part of my way of giving back for all the support I have been offered, I try to help with activities EI offers younger students whenever possible. For example I give classes to children, I help with the organization of files, help during annual inscriptions, sort uniforms by sizes, etc. I do my best to be available whenever I am needed. Because of Kathy’s morals and principles that she passed on to me, I have formed my character and have very good values. I am grateful for all the scolding and advice because this has helped me become more responsible with studies and as a human being. And, she has always been there for me when I needed her. It’s hard to believe that I have been able to follow my dreams, from growing up so poor to now. There are still 3 ½ years left. I confess that sometimes I feel like giving up especially when I get frustrated not having Internet access at home nor a computer of my own. While I have access to these resources at EI, it is not the same. When I feel frustrated I start thinking about everything I have achieved, I try to value everything I have especially all the effort that people make so that I can be where I am today. These thoughts motivate me to persevere. Plus, my mother constantly encourages me, she has always been my motor and engine and keeps me on track. Someday I want to be able to offer her a better life. My message to the readers is when life offers you opportunities, take them and appreciate them. Value the support offered to you by friends, family etc. Sometimes opportunities only arrive once, so you have to be smart and know how to take advantage of everything that is presented in your lifetime. My greatest satisfaction of all is to see myself exactly where I am today. Here I am about to finish my second year as a veterinary student. When I was little I dreamed of being a veterinarian but I never thought that I would be able to attend a university, let alone study my dream career. I now feel proud of myself and am confident that I can truly become a great veterinarian." Interviewed by Liseth Morales.
14 years ago Aracely was being interviewed as a potential candidate
Persevering to reach her dream
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