Las Entrevistas (Interviews): Isis and Yesenia

Join us for another brief segment of las entrevistas (interviews) with our Starfish students! 

Today, two of our Starfish scholars from Guasmo, Isis and Yesenia, share some of their pensamientos (thoughts) about their motivation and inspiration for their educations. 

Stay tuned for more entrevistas with our scholars, coming next week, in addition to a blog post created entirely by our very own educadores as a part of their technology workshop! During this workshop, our Guasmo educadores learned about technology in the workplace, and practiced skills such as professional emailing, and creating blogs and powerpoint presentations All of these skills will provide our educatdores with valuable resources for their own careers and studies, as well as enable them to better develop the skills of our scholars. 

Isis Matias, 14 years old.

What motivates you to excel in your education?

-"My main motivation to excel comes from my parents, because each day, I see the daily sacrifices they make to provide me with an education so that I can better myself and truly become someone in this life." 

What is one thing about your country that you wish to change?

-"I hope that one day, society changes to create a greater level of respect. In this way, I wish that people can develop a different way of thinking." 

 Yesenia Guallo, 14 years old.

Tell us about a professor or educator that has helped you to discover your academic strengths.

-“One day, my professor Mercedes told me that there are always, and will always be, difficulties in live and that a setback is not synonomous with a defeat. Mercedes believes that I can overcome struggles, and she helps me achieve my goals. I’m grateful for this advice, for it has helped me realize that if I fail, it doesn’t mean I am defeated.” 

What is one piece of advice that you would give to someone younger than you?

-"One piece of advice that I would give would be to set goals, and to achieve them, for this is the best thing to have done. However, only set goals that benefit yourself and those around you."

En español: 

Isis Matias, 14 años. 

Que te motiva para sobresalir en tu educación?

-"Mi mayor motivación son mis padres porque veo como se han sacrificado en la vida para darme educación y que yo me supere y sea alguien en la vida."

Cual es una cosa de tu país que te gustaría cambiar?

-"Que esta sociedad cambie se forma de ser respecto a cómo tratar a las personas solo por tener una manera diferente de pensar."

Yesenia Guallo, 14 años. 

Cuéntanos sobre un profesor o educador que te ha ayudado a reconocer tus fortalezas académicas?

-"Mi profesora Mercedes un día me dijo que siempre hay dificultades en la vida y que por tropiezos no significa la derrota y que piense en superarme y que cumpla mi objetivo. Y gracias a este consejo me ayudo a darme cuenta que si fallo no significa la derrota."

Cual es el consejo que tu le darías a una persona menor que tú?

-"El consejo que le daría seria que se proponga un objetivo, lo cumpla y será lo mejor que haya hecho, pero siempre que lo que se proponga sea para bien de él y de los demás."

An Inspiring Day of Professional Development

Last month all of our educadores had a chance to get together for a professional development day, thanks to some great collaboration from other Starfish volunteers and supporters.  We gathered in the new space in Flor to learn about critical thinking, and ways we can encourage that in our students.

Unfortunately the public education system in Ecuador is mostly based on memorizing answers and later repeating them on a test or quiz.  Many teachers dictate from books and research often means printing out an article form Wikipedia.  Here at Starfish we hope to change that.  We want our students to be creative, to not be afraid to think for themselves, and more importantly to not be afraid to make mistakes.

Thanks to an excellent PowerPoint from Mary, a friend of Starfish, Jenn was able to present to the information to the teachers, and even practice some of the activities with them. Our favorite activity by far was when we had to invent a rap in groups about various school subjects.

We all have had experiences with a child who asks “why” and when we give them an explanation, it is followed with another “why?”  In our workshop we learned to ask the students “Why?” so that they don’t just answer questions, they know why and how to think about and answers these questions and more. We also learned to compare & contrast, inspire creativity and motivate & encourage our students to have confidence in themselves and their ideas.

Another fun Starfish update – we will now call all of our employees who work at the tutoring sessions “educadores”.  Previously “ayudantes”, we have decided that educadores gives them more authority and is also more accurate to their roles as educators both inside and outside of the classroom.

"Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working." ~ Pablo Picasso

Field Trip for Guayaquil's Best Students

A few weekends ago, three Starfish students were awarded the honor to attend a Scout field trip for the students with the best grades for this first half of this school year.  5 high schools participated - of those 5 schools - Starfish has students in 2 - and 3 of our students were selected to attend!!!

Here, Cristhian and Eddy share a few words about their experience, while below are some pictures from Maria's group!

"It was awesome because we were in groups with kids from other high schools that we didn't know before.  We did a lot of icebreaker activities and they taught us funny songs.  After we showered, we did more icebreakers and we played soccer.

The next day, they woke us up really early and we did some exercises.  Later we had to help clean up the area.  Later they taught us how to do different kinds of knots and the Dinapen (part of the Police force - National Police Specializing in Children and Adolescents) gave us a talk about drugs.

Later, they taught us to put up and take down tents and when we went swimming I learned how to swim.  We also went on a 3 or 4 hour hike and when we got back it was already nighttime.  That night we played "rubbi scout" until midnight and then we went to shower and go to bed.

The next days, we cleaned up our tents and brought them to the coliseum.  Then we had to wait for the bus to take us back home.  It was a great experience."  ~Eddy (& Cristhian!)

"Me pareció chevere porque hicimos grupos con otros chicos del colegio que no nos relacionábamos, después hicimos dinámicas, nos enseñaron músicas chistosas.  Luego de bañarnos, nos hicieron hacer más dinámicas y jugar pelota.

Al día siguiente nos levantaron de mañanita y hicimos ejercicio y luego limpiamos el perímetro, luego nos enseñaron a hacer diferentes clases de nudos y la Dinapen nos dio una charla sobre las drogas.

Nos enseñaron a armar y desarmar carpas, fuimos a la piscina y aprendí nadar.  Hicimos una caminata de 3 a 4 horas más o menos y cuando regresamos ya era de noche.  Esa noche luego de cenar jugamos rubbi scout hasta las 12am y luego nos fuimos a bañar.  

Al día siguiente arreglamos y limpiamos la carpa y luego la llevamos al coliseo y después nos hicieron esperar el autobus para regresar a casa.  Para mi fue una experiencia maravillosa." - Eddy

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)

Meet our Employees!

This school year we are blessed with the support of 6 part-time "ayudantes".   Our employees provide support to our tutoring program and monthly meetings as well as act as mentors for all of our Starfish Scholars.

Valeria, Marcos and Yuliana have joined the team in Guasmo.

While Jasmin, Tyrone and Maricruz form the team in Flor de Bastión.

Tyrone and Jasmin in their first group picture with the Flor de Bastión scholars.

Find out a little more about each one of our employees on our updated website!

Meet Cristhian!

Cristhian has been a Starfish scholar in the Flor de Bastión neighborhood since the first class of scholars began last February 2012.  He is a motivated student and comes from a very responsible family.  His family has been so supportive that his two older siblings who are now both in college have joined the Starfish team as two of our newest part-time employees.  Cristhian turned 16 on March 6th and is in 2do bachillerato or the equivalent of 11th grade in the U.S.  When asked to describe what Starfish is, he said "Starfish is important and collaborative because it helps people in need, We shouldn't see it just as help, but rather a responsibility."  Cristhian is also a great leader in his school, his community and at Starfish.  He says, "Leadership doesn't always mean being at the front of the group.  Leadership is making everyone else feel like leaders.  The leader isn't always the one that guides, but rather the one that acts with intelligence and wisdom."

Cristhian's sisters Jasmin and Noelia (newborn), his mom Maribel, Cristhian & Beth at an Integration Day with Guasmo last June 2012.

Read below about Christian's school vacation in his own words.

"What did I do during my vacation?"

During vacation I took advantage of my free days.  My vacation was a little funny, first I signed up for a soccer school but I only went for a few weeks.  Then I went to work (the days that I wanted to).

Then I just hung out until a group of friends and I signed up for a Summer Camp as Counselors.  There I taught a group of students in 6th grade.  We taught them Language Arts and Math, but unfortunately it was only for one month.  The last day was sad because it was the last day I was going to see my students and my friends.  After Camp, all the counselors got to go to the beach for a day.  There we ate, played and swam in the ocean.  That was a great day.  Then, I went to Manabí to visit my grandparents and I had a great time with my cousins.

Cristhian and Arelisa during an icebreaker at the April 2013 meeting!

"Que hice en mis vacaciones?"

Bueno, yo en vacaciones empecé a disfrutar de mis días libres.  Mis vacaciones fueron un poco chistosas primero me inscribí en una escuela de fútbol en la que fui sol un par de semanas. Después me fui a trabajar los días que daba ganitas.  

Me la pasaba molestando hasta que un grupo de amigos/as nos inscribimos a una Colonia Vacacional pero como animadores.  Ahí conocí a niños de 6to año y les enseñamos lenguaje y matemáticas pero lastimosamente solo fue un mes.  El último día fue triste porque fue el día en que no iba a ver más a mis alumno ni amigos.  Pero bueno al terminar la Colonia nos llevaron a la playa a todos los animadores.  Allá comimos, jugamos y nos metimos a la playa.  Ese día fue chevere.  Después fui a Manabí a visitar a mis abuelitos y la pasé bien con mis primos.

Meet Maria - a new Starfish Scholar!

Meet Maria Belén - one of our newest additions to The Starfish Foundation in our Flor de Bastión neighborhood.

Though she is new to Starfish, Maria is already in her last year of high school.  She impressed us with her punctuality and also her excellent grades even through the most difficult years of high school.  Maria is 16 years old - today, May 9!  When she graduates high school this year, she wants to continue studying in the University so that she can become a doctor.  When asked to share her personal hero, she said she has two - her mom and her dad  - because from them she has learned and will continue to learn how to be a beautiful and strong woman.  The best advice they gave her - even if she falls down many times, she has to get back up again even more times.  Last year her father passed away unexpectedly just as school was starting, but she continues to be strong in the face of hard times, being true to the lessons of resiliency and responsibility that he taught her.  In her free time, Maria likes to work on various projects with her mom, prepare food, read, and play with her friends.

Maria, helping organize some of our new school supplies for this school year!

Maria did some exciting things over her school break and shares them with us here in her own words.

"During my Vacation"

I was in a swimming class where I had a great time with my friends - one that I already knew and other new friends that I made.  I learned a lot, I lost my fear of diving.  Not being scared anymore is great especially since I worked so hard.  I even surprised myself because I was able to do things that I never thought I'd be able to do.  It fills me with happiness and enthusiasm because now when someone asks me if I know how to swim, I respond yes.  It's a great and entertaining sport.

I was also finally baptized, and that has changed me.  Now I feel at peace with myself and with God.  I feel happy with a new and renewed life.  I like this.

I've also done a lot of other things like visit my uncles and aunts, and spend time with friends and family.

Maria introducing to another Starfish Scholar, Argenis, during an icebreaker at our April meeting!

"En mis vacaciones"

Estuve en un curso de natación en el cuál la pasé muy bien junto con amigas, una que ya conocía y otras que hice.  Aprendí mucho, perdí el miedo de un clavado desde el borde de la piscina.  Perder el miedo fue genial ya que aprendí y di todo de mí hasta me sorprendí porque logré cosas que jamás creí hacer.  Eso me llena de alegría y entusiasmo porque ahora que me pregunten que si sé nadar, respondo que sí.  Es un deporte genial y entretenido.  

También fue mi bautizo, que lo pude realizar al fin y eso me ha cambiado.  Ahora estoy en paz conmigo y sobre todo con Papá Dios.  Me siento feliz con una vida nueva, renovada.  Eso me gusta.  

También he hecho muchas cosas más como ir de visita a la casa de mis tios, visitar a mi tía, y compartir con amigos y familia.