The When I Grow Up Project is officially up and running!!
Two professors from the University of Cartagena are teaching the
preparatory course for 11 weeks, educating our 39 select students on test
taking strategies for the University entrance exam. We have high hopes that
more graduating students will apply to the University and be accepted! This
week students took a 2-3 hour diagnostic test, the results giving professors
awareness on students’ current knowledge and what concepts need more focus.
What started as an idea last year has now turned into a reality! Thank
you again to the NBC Children’s Fund, the NGO who is supporting the project,
and to all donors. Lives are literally being changed; opportunity is
widespread.
Many people are involved now, and finally it’s not me overseeing all
aspects. It has not been easy to put everyone on the same page. I have learned
a lot: despite feeling costena in many ways and living in my barrio for 2
years, my appearance still gives the impression that I have copious amounts of
money. Everything is negotiable (our final, negotiated cost for the 11 week preparatory
course is almost a fourth of what was initially proposed to us) and furthermore
do not assume that everyone’s motives are pure
when you’re dealing with large sums of money. That being said, the best
in people has come out, and I am indebted to the social workers at school for
their extra effort and dedication despite not gaining anything monetary in
return. Much love to Dayra and Mariela!
A principal challenge has been selecting students, amidst so many.
Initially, we presented the project to students above a certain grade point
average, and those interested had to complete an application and three essays.
Some applicants were easy to eliminate because essays were not well written;
however, the majority were thorough and thought-through.
This is my second year working with these students. Those selected for
this project have always struck me as impressive and I have known about many of
their challenging home environments, but reading their essays made it an
amplified and tangible reality. Most kids come from households that make less
than $250 a month to support a plethora of people. Many expressed that they
have the emotional support of God and family, but they cannot count on families
to support them financially. There are also those who at 16 years old have to
run an entire household themselves. Nevertheless, they have excelled
academically at our school and want to continue their education. They will seek
scholarships, work extra, and do whatever else it takes to gain a higher
education degree. And why? Because they want to return to help their families
and community: their single mom, their grandmas who has raised themselves and 4
other siblings, their neighbor who took them in when there was no one else…
They are SO excited to be in this program. Somehow I don’t remember
being as thrilled to go to my SAT tutor?
If they are accepted in the University, they will be the ones who will
return and impact the poverty and inequality that is so prevalent in Cartagena.
They are familiar with its harsh realities, do not take opportunities for
granted and understand that hard work produces results, despite their
socioeconomic class or ethnicity.
They are pioneers, they are motivated, and now they are in the When I
Grow Up Project. There is no turning back… they will be applying to the
University of Cartagena!
You can read more about our project and watch our promotional video on the NBC Children Fund's website:
If you want to help finance the cost of the University's entrance exam ($60 per student) for these 39 students, YOU CAN!... simply donate in the website above and make an impact. Thank you again to all those who have donated!
You can read more about our project and watch our promotional video on the NBC Children Fund's website:
If you want to help finance the cost of the University's entrance exam ($60 per student) for these 39 students, YOU CAN!... simply donate in the website above and make an impact. Thank you again to all those who have donated!
