Support literacy and learning for 1,900 Maya youth

In our bustling Saber sin Límites (Limitless Knowledge) community library, our two interns for this year, Ana and Teresa, have woven unique narratives of personal and professional growth. Despite their diverse academic backgrounds, both have found common ground in the enriching environment that the library provides.

Ana: Unearthing Passion and Skills

At the age of 20, Ana, a former Limitless Horizons scholar who graduated high school in 2021, began our internship program, taking on a role in our library. Although her academic roots lie in biology, she found herself drawn into her new role of teaching and mentoring children and teenagers in this position which she didn’t anticipate as part of her professional journey. Initially challenging, her love for books and working with youth revealed a newfound appreciation for the work of teachers and librarians. Ana's experience has helped her learn valuable life skills - from teamwork and punctuality to emotional resilience.

Ana's reflections extend beyond the library walls, envisioning the application of her newly acquired skills to her future professional dreams of becoming an agronomist. She draws parallels between maintaining a positive atmosphere for students and the necessity to navigate teamwork and emotional management in her future career. With aspirations of securing a scholarship to study in Costa Rica, Ana views her library experience as a foundation for success, providing her with invaluable tools for the future.

“Sometimes when we get to the library we might feel sad because of things happening in our life, but we can't transmit that to the students as our primary goal is to create an environment where they can enjoy their time. Thus, we strive to find ways to uplift our spirits, allowing us to present a positive and welcoming atmosphere for everyone who enters.” -Ana

Teresa: From Numbers to Narratives

At 19, Teresa, also a former Limitless Horizons Ixil scholar, stepped into uncharted waters upon joining the library. With a background in accounting and proficiency in math, she found that her time at the library and engaging with young visitors helped her build patience. 

Although familiar with the company of nieces and nephews, the daily surge of children at the library initially overwhelmed Teresa. This immersion pushed her beyond her comfort zone, yet surprisingly, she swiftly adapted. Instead of feeling drained, she found herself recharged by the positive energy of the children and inspired by their evident joy in being there.

In addition to leading activities for our library users, Teresa delved into the intricacies of book categorization, inventory management, and the art of crafting library cards. Her time at the library has been more than just a transitional period; it has become a blueprint for her future endeavors. She recognizes the significance of teamwork, a lesson ingrained by her close collaboration with fellow interns and library staff, whom she is grateful to for their support. With university aspirations on the horizon, she views her time at the library as a valuable asset, preparing her for the challenges that college life may present. When her internship at the library ends, Teresa plans to look for another job to help pay for the cost of tuition. 

“This experience will help me in my future because you never know what kind of job you may have and no matter what job I have, it's important to give it my all. Also, it's always important to know how to work as a team. If you try to do everything alone, things don't always turn out how you want them to, so these lessons are going to help me a lot.”  - Teresa

For Ana and Teresa alike, this internship has surpassed their expectations, serving as a rich environment in which they have not only contributed to the community but also discovered new qualities and skills they each have that will help them in their futures. As they prepare to transition into the next chapter of their educational journeys, the library stands as a testament to the benefit of hands-on experience and a supportive community.