Volunteer Reflections: Lindsay

Greetings, Starfish supporters! This summer we are especially excited to share the reflections of our current cohort of Starfish interns, who are supporting us in our social media and fundraising projects. Today's post comes from Lindsay, who is a member of our Summer 2015 Social Media Team. She creates videos for our Youtube page!


In life, we have three options when we see a problem. We can ignore it by hoping that someone else will fix it. We can accept it by assuming that it can’t be fixed and move on. Or we can be the ones who take the initiative to solve the problem, no matter how complex and difficult it may be. Working for the Starfish Foundation so far as taught me how to take the third option, and be the leader who makes the change.

I love learning about Latin America. From the four years of Spanish class I took in high school, to the Anthropology class I took in college, to my first trip to Costa Rica in 2014, learning about the culture there has always been something that has fascinated me. Maybe that’s why when I heard of the Starfish Foundation, it was immediately something that peaked my interest. It took my two great loves, Latin America and helping others, and brought them together.

When I was a sophomore in high school, I was very unsure. I had a burning desire to be a leader and make a difference in the world, but my fear of failure was almost strong enough to diminish that flame. At the end of my sophomore year, I attended the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership seminar in Maine, and suddenly, my fear started the fade. Eager to learn more about how I can make a difference, I attended the World Leadership Congress the following summer in Chicago. It was there that I heard about the Starfish Foundation when Beth spoke about how HOBY inspired her to start this nonprofit. It was after my HOBY experience that I knew that I had what it took to make a difference, and I started to become interested in working for a nonprofit.

Along with my love for Latin America, I am also very passionate about education, specifically education rights for all. Malala Yousafzai is one of my idols because of her passion for learning and speaking out for girls having the right to an education. I believe that everyone should have the right to an education, no matter who they are. To me, this includes people with disabilities. During my senior year of high school, I volunteered in a Life Skills classroom with students who severe disabilities. That was where I fell in love with Special Education, and decided to make it my major in college at the University of Maine at Farmington, along with a minor in International Studies. My dream is to someday bring these two together and work with students with learning disabilities in foreign countries to ensure they are able to finish school.

In my Anthropology class, I had to pick a topic relating to Latin America and do a research project on it. Naturally, I decided to study the education system in Latin America, with a focus on Special Education. I was disturbed to see that there wasn’t a lot of information on this topic, which is because Special Education isn’t a huge focus right now in many developing countries. With the cost of school so high and unattainable for so many families, students with a disability aren’t going to school because so many feel as if it “wouldn’t be worth it” for them. I want to eliminate the stigma of having a disability, and teach students how to embrace their abilities, rather than let their disabilities control their life. This would include identifying the student's’ strengths, while also working through their weaknesses with an IEP (Individualized Education Plan), to ensure they finish school.

I hope that by working with the Starfish Foundation, I am getting my foot in the door with a nonprofit so I can someday work with one as a career. I love what Starfish stands for because it also stands for exactly what I believe in: one by one, we can all make a difference in the world if we work together.

"Noticias" (News) from our Employees!

We are about 6 weeks away from closing out another successful school year, due in large part to our 7 part-time employees who have gone above & beyond this year to help our students learn, as well as help develop Starfish programming!

Find out a little more about what they are all up to outside of Starfish...

Last week we welcomed Lissette to our team.  She is finishing up her second year at the state university in commercial engineering and has been a great addition to our Guasmo team!

Lissette

Yuliana and Cynthia have been busy visiting all the universities here in Guayaquil in hopes that they will be able to study at the university level this coming school year, along with Starfish graduates, Betsabeth and Maria Belen!

Cynthia, Yuliana & Marcos at our Christmas party!

Marcos is finishing up the "Pre", which is sort of like a required prep-course for some colleges here in Ecuador.  He has an intensive schedule through February when he will finish so that he can begin his first year of college in May with the others!

Tyrone is in his last year at the state university.  In March he will finish classes and then he will have 3 months to work on & present his thesis!

Tyrone & Jasmin giving a presentation to their Refuerzo students!

Jasmin is finishing up her first year of college at the state university.  These past few months have been extra busy with an additional English course - but we are proud to report she is an excellent English student!

Since Karina joined our team in October she quickly gained the trust and respect of all of the 22 students she works with in the afternoon in Flor de Bastión.  Karina is also looking into possible enrollment in college for next year!

Karina with some of our youngest participants - Yanilexis, Betsy & Dayanna

We are so blessed to have these 7 wonderful individuals as constant support and role models for our scholars, THANK YOU!!!!

Learning to Lead at our October Meeting

This month at our October monthly meeting we focused on leadership.  We learned about teamwork, communication, setting goals and working towards those goals in a group setting by completing various activities and reflecting on our experiences.  It was a blast!  See all of these fun activities and more, below!

Setting up for our first icebreaker in Guasmo!

"Dinámica" or IceBreaker where we we had to work together creatively to get everyone's feet
 on a sheet of paper when the music stopped...each time with less sheets of paper!

It was easy when there were a lot of papers on the ground still,
here our students try to figure out what to do now with less paper.

Group work solving some riddles.  Our students had quite the creative responses!

Lili presenting to the parents what we did during our meeting.

After the becado (scholarship student) meeting, we also had a parent meeting and the parents did some icebreakers as well.  It was great to see the parents uniting and forming new friendships as well.  This year has been a great year of growth for Starfish and we're excited for the possibilities when students and parents alike unite for the success of their families and Starfish!  While the parents met, our students prepared a delicious, healthy snack and then served it to their parents for an great end to a fantastic day.

Starfish moms Maria and Adelaida participating in our parent activity.

Preparing snack with new Starfish Employee, Karina (pink shirt).

Geovanny helping out with snack in Guasmo.

Flor de Bastión students united after preparing a wonderful snack for the Starfish group!

The perfect end to a perfect day - lots of smiles!

Juramento de Bandera - Pledging Allegiance to Ecuador

Every year at the end of September (coinciding with Ecuador's flag day on September 26th), students in their last year of high school must "jurar la bandera" or pledge allegiance to their flag/country.  This civil act takes place at all high schools in Ecuador and it is considered an important right of passage for all young people.  

Presentation of the flags - Ecuador, Guayaquil, and the banner of the High School.

Usually the students who carry the flags are chosen based on grades.  The students who carry the 3 flags (of Ecuador, Guayaquil and the school) are the "abanderados"(flag bearers) and are the 3 best students in the school.  Each abanderado is accompanied by 1-2 "escoltas" or escorts who are the next best students in the school.  The rest of the students line up facing the flags and during the ceremony each student pledges her/his allegiance to their country.  One by one they bow to kiss the flag of Ecuador.  The "abanderados" also give short speeches expressing pride in their country and gratitude for their studies and their family.  

A student honoring the flag of Ecuador.

This year Starfish has 2 graduating Seniors who participated in this act at their respective schools.  Congratulations to Betsabeth and Maria Belen!

Betsabeth and her classmate at the "Juramento de Bandera"

Gracias Damien House!

Here's one last post from our students about the experience at Damien House.  With all this excitement about community service and leadership development, we can't wait to find more ways to get involved!

Sister Annie, Damien House founder, with Starfish students Nery, Sofia, Andreina, Solange and André.
 

Card for Damien House

by Pamela, Flor de Bastión

Thanks for opening us the doors of your foundation.  The experience was really great.  The people who are part of your foundation are really cool.

The women are very dynamic, happy, full of life, and very friendly.  The men have a strong character, but full of advice for those who need it.

The experience is unforgettable.  You all are beautiful people who deserve so much more love than what you have.

From,

Starfish

Sister Annie in the women's section speaking with Starfish students!

Beach bags, a talent of many of the men at Damien House!

"Carta para la Fundación Padre Damien"

por Pamela, Flor de Bastión

Gracias por abrirnos las puertas de su fundación.  La experiencia fue super chevere.  Las personas que integran la fundación son super que chevere.

Las señoras son muy dinámicas, alegres, llenas de vida y muy amables.  Los señores tienen el carácter fuerte pero llenos de consejos para al que lo necesita.

La experiencia es inolvidable.  Son lindas personas que merecen mucho más amor del que ya tienen.

Att. Starfish

Hammock making time!

Joel's experience at Damien House!

Joel had a great time at Damien House a few weeks ago...find out about his experience through his own words!

Joel, participating in "refuerzo" or tutoring with another Starfish scholar, Betsabeth.

"Hi, I'm Joel.  I'm a scholarship student at The Starfish Foundation.  We visited Damien House, a foundation where there were people with Hansen's disease.  It was interesting because I didn't know a lot about this disease.

Jonathan, our tour guide, explaining about Damien House and Hansen's disease.

I wasn't used to socializing with elderly people, I thought it was boring, but I was wrong.  They welcomed us, and I met them one by one.  They gave us a tour of the foundation.  After, they told us we could visit whatever part of the foundation that we wanted to.  I went to the men's section.  They taught me to play dominoes together with some of the other students.  When we went to the women's section, they gave us the advice that we should keep studying, and not to go down the wrong path.  I really liked it.  I'd like to be able to go back some day."

The women's section!

"Hola Soy Joel.  Soy un becado de Starfish Foundation.  Nosotros hicimos una visita a la Fundación Padre Damián, una fundación donde había personas con la enfermedad de Hansen.  Me pareció algo interesante porque conocía poco sobre esta enfermedad.

Yo casi no estaba acostumbrado a socializar mucho con personas de tercera edad, pensaba que era aburrido, pero me equivoqué.  Ellos nos recibieron muy felices, los fui conociendo uno por uno.  Nos dieron un recorrido por toda la fundación.  Después nos dijeron que podríamos ir a visitar a cualquier parte.  Fui a la parte de los abuelitos.  Ellos me enseñaron a jugar dominó junto con otros becados y aprendimos a jugar.  Cuando fuimos a la parte de la abuelitas, ellas nos aconsejaron que sigamos en los estudios, que no nos vamos por el mal camino.  En mi opinión a mí me gustó.  Quisiera que alguna vez se vuelva a repetir."

Joel (black shirt) with Starfish scholars Danny and Anthony and their new friend!

Visiting Schools in Guayaquil

I have spent the past few weeks visiting all of the schools that the Starfish Scholars attend.  Out of all the youth we work with, 28 are Starfish Scholars.  These 28 scholars attend 18 different schools.

On each visit, a parent and a Starfish Employee accompanied me so that we could find the correct person to talk to.  In the visit we explained more about Starfish, what we provide for the students, and found out more about their school life.  The teachers told us about each students' behavior, grades, test scores, missing work and any other concerns they may have had.

The visits were eye-opening for me.  From working with the students, I had some ideas about their school life, but seeing it first hand was an entirely different story.  Most schools I visited were huge, with an average of 40-50 students per classroom.  With class sizes so large, it often seemed like the students were in control, rather than the teacher.  It was also rare the teacher who had the time to seek out a personal relationship with a student to help them succeed, again due to these class sizes.  Often times teachers had to pull out folders or notebooks, or call the student over to see who he/she was.  However, I was pleasantly surprised that despite all of these challenging realities, many teachers were able to easily recall the Starfish scholars as they are stepping up to be leaders in their classroom.

Milena is the Presidenta (President) of her class. Danny is part of the student council.  Joel is on a committee that studies human rights.  Arelisa is also Presidenta of her class - and up for election of President of the whole high school!

Tutoring in Flor

We hope that these visits allowed the teachers to see the help that some of their students receive, and open up the door to better future communication with their families and with us.  When we all work together, we can help the students achieve their maximum potential.  With the grades and comments we received this week we are having parent conferences when necessary, as well as an employee meeting to discuss specific areas that need strengthening for each student.


Unfortunately, there aren't any pictures of these visits, so enjoy these other pictures from August!!

One of the groups we took to visit Damien House.

Don Leon working hard on his hamaca (hammock).

Yessenia, helping one of the patients fix his radio.

Starfish scholars learning how to play dominos at Damien House.

Sponsor a Scholar updates!

As you may be aware, this year we started a "Sponsor a Scholar" program, based off of the success we had with last year's pen pal program.  This year our students have been paired with a new friend in the U.S., a "Starfish Sponsor" to exchange communications about life, school, culture and more.  

Our Starfish Sponsors include many of you - volunteers, donors, and other loyal supporters!  Starfish Scholars and Starfish Sponsors will write to each other 3 times a year with various updates.  

Our Scholars write about what they do in school, what their families are like, what they like to do in their free time - and their topic for the first letter - "What is your dream?" Our Sponsors respond with stories of their own lives, what it's like to live in the U.S., etc.  Some of them even used this as an opportunity to practice Spanish!

Yamileth & Yesenia working on letters with volunteer (& Starfish Sponsor!) Danny.

We have just completed our first round of letters for this school year.  It is important to note that this program does not require any additional financial support has all of our sponsors have previously demonstrated their commitment to Starfish through time, money or other support.

Next year we hope to have more scholars, and more room for your participation!  If you are interested in getting involved in this or any other program, never hesitate to email us!

Solange, in her school uniform, making sure that her new friend in the U.S. receives a colorful card!

Think about your future...

During our July monthly meeting for our scholarship students we reflected on important values in the lives of our scholars and how this affects their future.  Our reflection began with a card sent by our friends at COMIL through the Kids Supporting Kids project.

Our friends sent us motivational letters and one in particular stood out, "Dicen que los niños son el futuro de la Patria.  Yo pienso que los niños son el presente," it said. "They say children are the future of our nation.  I think children are the present."  Such wise words from a high school student.

Marlon was the first to jump up and share his reflection on the importance of continuing studies!

We reflected on these words in light our our own Starfish story to help the world, one by one.  While talking about values such as honesty, respect, friendship, humility and solidarity, we also reflected on our past, present and future.  Later, we decorated our classroom with some wonderful motivational drawings and messages!

Genesis, reflecting on her goals and dreams!

But while talking about our dreams, of course we had to have some fun too!

Flor de Bastión scholars starting off the meeting with a "dinámica" or ice breaker!

After the Flor de Bastión meeting we continued renovations on our tutoring space.  Rumor has it we'll be done shortly - don't forget to check back next week to see how much progress we've made!

Families of Starfish Scholars and tutoring students working together.
Theme of the day: "La unión hace la fuerza" - "Union is strength"

Congratulations Danny!

Danny was recently elected to his Student Council as one of 2 people to represent each class.  He was elected by his classmates, what an honor - Congrats Danny!

Danny, working hard on a presentation for Social Studies.

"They chose me for Student Council first by calling all the Presidents of all the different classes and all the representatives from each class.  Then they gave us a talk about what our responsibilities would be.  Then all the representatives of each class had to pick 2 students for the Presidency in each class and they picked me and a friend who is the sports representative.  The next day we had a meeting for all those chosen for the student council and the guidance counselor explained that we wouldn't have the power of President or Vice-President, but that we could be representatives for the class."

~Danny Zambrano, Guasmo

Danny and the rest of his Starfish friends - the morning group in Guasmo!

"Me cogieron en el consejo estudiantil de la forma que llamaron a los presidentes de cada curso y a los otros vocales de cada presidente de cada curso.  Luego nos dieron la charla de como deberían ser nuestras responsabilidades.  Después cada undo de los vocales de cada curso deberían de coger dos alumnos de la Presidencia de cada curso y de ahi me cogió a mí y a un amigo que es vocal de deportes.  El siguiente día tuvimos una reunión de los escogidos para el consejo estudiantil y el profesor de orientación dijo que no pudimos tener los cargos de Presidente y Vice-Presidente, solo pudimos ser los vocales."

~Danny Zambrano, Guasmo

New opportunities, New Hope

Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa has funded some new schools in some of the most vulnerable areas.  When Cristhian & Eddy found out that their were still a few spots left and that Eddy knew one of the directors, they decided to try their luck at getting two of those spots even though they are already two months into the school year.  Normally this is not allowed in Ecuador.  There are no school districts, so even if you move you're out of luck and probably in for a very long commute for the rest of the year.  Also most families probably would not be able to afford to buy new supplies and uniforms.  Luckily the boys are able to use the same uniform and we were able to help them out with some of the supplies!

Eddy & Cristhian spending time with Starfish volunteer, Andrew!

Today Cristhian & Eddy share with us about their decision and their awesome new high school!

"We changed schools for a better future because at the high school where we were there wasn't any hope for a better future.  The difference now is that our new high school is really big.  There are labs for physics, biology and English.  There are computers for each student in each lab.  There is a cafeteria.  There are 3 soccer fields and they're going to make another grass soccer field.  The teachers are cool.  We have electricity workshops too.  Next week they are going to take us to ElectroGuayas (the electric company) so that we can learn more.  What we learn in this high school is going to help us get ahead and help others!"

~Cristhian and Eddy, Flor de Bastión

*Note* This school is not typical of the schools where our Starfish scholars study, but we are excited about new opportunities in the near future if the government continues these initiatives next year!

UPDATE: Starfish Scholars (& sisters!) Pamela & Lili have also switched to this new school.  We feel very fortunate that our scholars have sought out this great opportunity for a better education!!

Singing partners Jordan & Eddy at June's Integration Day.

"Nos cambiamos de colegio por un mejor futuro porque en el colegio donde estábamos no había esperanza para un mejor futuro.  La diferencia es que el nuevo colegio es grandísimo.  Hay laboratorios para física, biología y ingles.  Hay computadoras para cada alumno en cada laboratorio.  Hay un comedor.  Hay 3 canchas y van a hacer otra cancha de césped.  Los profesores son cheveres.  Hay talleres para electricidad también.  Nos van a llevar a la empresa ElectroGuayas para aprender mas también. Lo que aprendemos en este colegio nos va a ayudar a salir adelante y ayudar a los demás!"

~Cristhian y Eddy, Flor de Bastión

Cristhian with some of his Starfish friends & family.
(L to R: Dulce, Melani, Cristhian, Arelisa, Pamela, Tyrone)

Minga - work day!

Today's Spanish word of the day is "Minga" or something like a "work day" in English.  In Flor de Bastión, our scholars and their families have been busy with many mingas, helping to renovate the space lent to us by Starfish Scholar Kiara's family.

Kiara & Cristhian's dads - working hard along with 2-year Starfish scholar, Cristhian!

First, we had to buy many large sugar cane poles, which were then split into workable pieces to make the walls.  Kiara & Cristhian's dad, along with Cristhian worked tirelessly for several days to put up the walls.  The other students helped when the could at night and on the weekends.  The final step is buying some more tin for the roof.  It really has been a group effort - and something all the students are very invested in since they are really looking forward to an updated space to do homework, socialize, and have fun! 

To help cover the costs, the students are doing a raffle - so far we've raised $96!  In total we will need to raise about $250 - and the students are excited about being able to do this on their own.  They have some more fun & exciting ideas in the works so stay tuned for more updates and photos of the finished product in the coming weeks and months!

Part of the Flor de Bastión Starfish family in their partially renovated space with Jenn & Beth!

The crew, working late into the night to make the space ready for June's Integration Day. 

"What I like About Starfish"

When Briggette finished her homework early, she used her free time to share with us what she likes most about Starfish.

Briggette working on her homework with Starfish employee Yuliana.

What I Like about Starfish

I like to be at Starfish because they help me with the basic subjects like Science, Math, Language Arts, Social Studies and it's a great help for my parents.  Thanks to this situation, I have my uniform, backpack, notebooks, everything thanks to The Starfish Foundation.  I also like Starfish because thanks to this I have friends, and having friends is cool because what I don't understand, they can teach me.  I thank all of you for what you've done for my siblings and mostly for me because I don't know how to thank Jennifer and most of all Isa.  I hope to continue in the Foundation.  I thank Yuli, Andrew, Danny and my friends.  Thank you, seriously, from the bottom of my heart.

~Briggette Bravo, Age 11

Briggette, center, showing off her dance moves at June's Integration day.

Los Gustos sobre Estrellitas

A mí me gusta estar en Estrellitas porque me ayudan en las materias básicas como CC.NN., Matemática, Lengua, EE.SS., y es una carga para mis padres.  Gracias a esta situación tengo uniformes, mochila, cuadernos, todo gracias a la Fundación Estrellitas del Mar.  Esto también me gusta porque gracias a eso tengo amigos, y tener amigos es chevere porque lo que no entiendo me lo enseñan.  Les agradezco todo lo que han hecho por mis hermanos y sobre to a mí porque no se como agradecerles a Jennifer y sobre todo a Isa.  Espero seguir estando en la Fundación.  Le agradezco a Yuli, Andrés, Danny y a mis compañeros.  Gracias en serio de corazón.

~ Briggette Bravo

Volunteer Update - Meet Andrew!

Meet our first volunteer of this school year - Andrew.  Andrew is with us doing an internship for Florida Atlantic University's Honors College.  During his time he will be teaching English and helping out with our tutoring program.  Today Andrew shares with us a reflection on his first week in Ecuador.

Andrew & Steve during our tutoring program.

"I have been working with Starfish now for about a week and I can say with confidence that this will be a week that I will never in my life forget.  Many times when you come across the odd gringo here in South America they look like they are running away from something.  For me, I just want to highlight that my experiences in Ecuador have been something very much running toward.  While I didn't know what I was looking for when I decided to come here I have found an extraordinary group of students and families here at Starfish and am amazing host family who were willing to open their doors to me and had the patience to work with my basic knowledge of Spanish to try to explain things.

Andrew teaching his first English lesson in Guasmo.

For the past week I have been helping the students with their English homework and attempting to teach English when we have spare time.  What I value most about my time in Starfish is the free time I have occasionally just to sit and talk to the kids about anything and everything we could possibly talk about. Although much is lost in translation, that exchange of ideas I believe is going to have a lasting impact of my perspective on the world, hopefully I also have some useful perspective to share."

"Aprendamos juntos" or "Let's learn together" is one of Andrew's favorite phrases.  Here he exchanges language & cultural lesson with Cristhian and Eddy.