Marcela is 18, but she has seen much about life while growing up in a poor mining district with a mostly absent father who doesn't contribute to the security of his family. Nevertheless, Marcela has been brave and has stayed with her education goals by completing high school. Now Marcela has a chance to learn the skill of dental hygiene which takes two years of dedicated study. Marcela is up for the challenge and promises to make herself a better person and to not let anyone down.
Marcela comes from a situation which was downright dangerous. Marcela had to find a safe environment before being able to look toward the future and undertake schooling. Her father does not live with her and her mom and brothers in the mining district. Marcela's father never helped them. Marcela still is concerned for her mother and siblings in the poor district. Marcela says, "I want to thank all the persons that supports Smiles Forever for the opportunity, and I won't let down anybody!"
When Marcela escapes the terrible poverty which has been her life, then she can find herself and achieve more with dental hygienist education. Luckily, Marcela is smart, and it is no surprise how dedicated she is. Marcela needed superior awareness and vision to survive and seek a way out of her dismal circumstances. She finished high school at the Liborio Lima H.S., and has been motivated to move into a skilled profession. Now Dr. Negron teaches theory & Jovanna instructs her in practice.
These newly trained professionals are role models for other homeless, indigenous women and the community at large. Many of them seek higher education. When the mother is educated, she understands prevention in medical and dental arenas. She values education and makes sure all of her children, including daughters, also receive education. Marcela shares, "Under the guidance and counseling and teaching I receive from Smiles Forever, I won't feel alone or so stressed."
