Education for Impoverished Guatemalan Youth

Access to education empowers students to create long-lasting progressive change. On November 4, 2023, 211 students not only celebrated their high school graduation but also pledged to change the future of Guatemala. They are determined to use their education and skills to make a positive impact on their country. They believe that education is the key to unlocking opportunities and creating a brighter future for all. As they embark on their next chapter, they are determined to make a difference and inspire others to do the same. 

We invite you to meet four incredible students from the class of 2023 who share what it means to be Guatemalan, who inspires them, and how they plan to make a difference. 

Anibal López, Accounting with a Concentration in IT/Accounting Software 

Hello, my name is Anibal López. When I was a boy, I dreamed of graduating from school. It took me 12 years to achieve my dream. The road was not easy, and I had to overcome many obstacles. This is my life story that I am proud to share. 

To be Guatemalan is to take pride in your roots, to value what you have, and to embody strong values with the capacity to transform the world. I believe that being an agent of change means making a positive impact on the world and people’s lives, and achieving this would bring me immense joy.

My greatest aspiration is to become an entrepreneur; owning a bakery is a dream I aim to fulfill one day. My post-graduation plans involve securing a job and pursuing a degree in Industrial Engineering at the University of San Carlos. 

My mother is my biggest source of inspiration. I aim to provide her with the best possible life for all the hard work she has put in to give me the chance to pursue my education. 

Emerson Macario, Computer Science with a focus in science 

Being Guatemalan means having a deep love for my country and respecting it; this sense of identity fills me with pride. I aspire to be a role model, aiding others in changing the world through my actions. 

Looking ahead, my future plans include owning a house, securing reliable transportation, and pursuing higher education. I hope to attend engineering school and secure a stable job to support my family. 

The individuals who inspire me the most are my parents; they have consistently been the driving force behind my aspirations, guiding me to overcome challenges and succeed in life. 

Despite the difficulties I faced on my journey, with the support of God and my family, I have managed to overcome obstacles and achieve numerous goals. I am a graduate! 

Enio González, Computer Technician

For me, the Guatemalan people are very special because we are hard-working, fight for what we believe in, and are entrepreneurial. We’re a country of hard workers. We feel a sense of pride, a sense of belonging. We are constantly seeking solutions to overcome challenges and aim to give more than we receive. 

Becoming an agent of change involves learning to identify social issues such as corruption, actively contributing to my community, and dedicating myself to work that I am passionate about to attain a fulfilling lifestyle. My dream involves achieving independence, establishing my own workshop, diligently working each day to afford the journeys I envision, and ultimately owning property. However, completing college remains a priority before pursuing these aspirations. I like repairing computers so my plans for after graduation are to work in that field.      

My driving force is the desire for progression. I do not wish to blend in but to stand out and accomplish my goals. Achieving this demands greater responsibility than I currently possess and requires me to dedicate myself to what I love to attain my aspirations. I aim to achieve my goals while supporting my parents, they fuel my drive for progress. 

Heimy Canel, Early Childhood Intercultural Bilingual School Teacher 

I am so blessed to be born in a wonderful country full of unique cultures and traditions; it’s like seeing a great opportunity. I am proud to be Guatemalan! 

Mayan cultures, traditions, and languages flow through my veins, and I’m proud of Guatemala’s beauty and diverse tourist destinations. 

The change I want to see in society and my country is for Guatemalans to continue succeeding in life. I believe working as a teacher and shaping the minds of students for good is a great way to achieve this. My ultimate dream is to go to university and pursue further education, either as an Industrial Engineer or Social Worker. Achieving this is a strong desire of mine. 

Continuing my studies and securing employment, if given the opportunity, is crucial, especially considering the high unemployment rates in the country. Recognizing this situation, obtaining a job initially to fund my studies is a challenging yet feasible goal. 

What motivates me? My Dad. My Mom. And the aspiration to effect small changes in both society and the country. 

These stories not only shed light on students’ personal aspirations but also reflect a broader aspiration shared among all 2023 graduates: a desire to contribute positively to their communities. They are driven by the support of their families and a passion to effect change, both big and small. As they continue their journey beyond graduation, these students exemplify values of hope, curiosity, and responsibility, and an unwavering pursuit of creating a better tomorrow for Guatemala.

Congratulations graduates! Una meta mas!