By Elena Laswick | Director of Communications
When Jessenia first walked through the doors of Colegio Horizontes as a 7th grader in 2022, her future was uncertain. The pandemic had severely disrupted her education, leaving her testing at a kindergarten reading level. She was shy, academically behind, and like many girls in Chajul, she had never imagined pursuing studies beyond primary school.
Fast forward just three years, and Jessenia’s story has transformed. With the guidance of Limitless Horizons Ixil's dedicated teachers and mentors, she not only caught up to her peers but also graduated from middle school in November 2024, an achievement only 11% of people in Chajul can boast. For Jessenia, this milestone was deeply personal: she became the first person in her immediate family to complete middle school.
A New Era: High School at Colegio Horizontes
Now in 10th grade, Jessenia is part of Colegio Horizontes’ inaugural high school class, and she is thriving. She’s testing at grade level and is excited by her new coursework, including philosophy, chemistry, and physics. Thanks to the opening of the region’s first and only science lab, students like Jessenia can engage in hands-on experiments for the first time—like extracting DNA from bananas.
Beyond Academics: Mentorship and Confidence
Jessenia’s success isn’t only academic. Throughout her education, she has been supported by mentorship, a core component of the Colegio Horizontes model. With the help of her mentor, Olga—a Limitless Horizons Ixil alumna and one of the first Indigenous women from Chajul to serve in this role—Jessenia developed emotional intelligence, communication skills, and resilience.
“Before I started at Colegio Horizontes, I didn’t even know what emotions were. Now, I’ve learned how to talk about them,” says Jessenia. “I’ve even noticed changes in my mom. We both regulate our emotions and communicate better now.”
This personal growth inspired Jessenia’s career aspirations. She now dreams of becoming a psychologist so she can return to Colegio Horizontes as a mentor, continuing the cycle of empowerment in her community.
Building Digital Skills for a Changing World
When Jessenia started middle school, she had never touched a computer. In Chajul, limited internet access and technology scarcity are common. Today, thanks to Colegio Horizontes’ growing technology program, Jessenia is now learning digital literacy, coding, and how to use technology to solve real-world problems.
Her teacher, Cecilia Xinix—the first Indigenous woman from Chajul to pursue a master’s degree in information technology—has been an especially inspiring guide.
“I love learning from Cecilia because she understands where we come from,” Jessenia says. “She makes technology feel exciting and possible. I can’t believe that just a few years ago I couldn’t even turn on a computer.”
Preparing for the Future: Career Pathways and Community Leadership
Jessenia is also developing a clearer vision for her future through her new high school Career Pathways class, led by Ilaria Itzep, a Chajul native and first-generation college graduate. This course helps students identify their skills, explore career options, and prepare for university entrance exams or vocational training.
“I already knew I wanted to be a mentor, and one of the careers that matched my interests was psychology. That’s when I realized the connection between my dreams and the possible careers I could pursue,” Jessenia explains.
Meanwhile, in the Community Projects course led by teacher Nohemí Pérez, Jessenia and her peers are learning project management and local leadership skills. Jessenia is currently collaborating with classmates on a project to address the growing trash problem in Chajul—transforming classroom lessons into real-world impact.
The Future We’re Building Together
In Chajul, where fewer than 5% of youth complete high school, Jessenia’s trajectory is a powerful testament to what’s possible with the right support. Colegio Horizontes integrates STEM education, digital literacy, leadership development, and mentorship into a holistic model that equips Chajul's youth not only with academic knowledge but with the confidence and skillsto be changemakers in their community.
Thank you for being part of this transformative journey.
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