MEET JONNY, A YOUNG MAN EAGER TO EXCEL

My name is Jonny and my dream is to open an art center for children in Santa Cruz.

I am the oldest of my five siblings now, although some of my siblings died over the years in childbirth. Currently, I work with my Dad in his blacksmith shop, have started my own barber shop venture, and am pursuing a university degree in tourism. I keep myself busy because it provides me with the opportunity to better myself and helps me focus on my future.

Since I was 12, I have been taking vocational courses in CECAP including carpentry, painting and even barbering. I am applying what I learned, generating income for my family through my barber shop, and even regulating my emotions with the painting skills I acquired in that class years ago.

When I applied for a high school scholarship from Amigos, it was difficult for me to pass the entrance evaluation. But, I worked hard, finished high school, and now have won an Amigos scholarship to study tourism in the university! I am very proud that I am succeeding, even though it has been emotionally difficult for me. The tutor assigned to us in the program helped me out of a period of depression, and today I can say that I am recovering my essence, which allows me to relate better to my teachers, family and even expand my circle of friends. My parents’ support has also been important to my success. Even though they cannot help me with the academics, because they did not go to school themselves, they always motivate me to continue.

In 2022, my little brother applied for a scholarship to continue on to middle school and it wasn’t as difficult for him academically as it was for me. I think that was because he participated in the Amigos Reading Program from an early age. That makes me hopeful that things are getting better for the children who come after me.