Hi, there! . My name is Velveth Katy Cholotío, I am 23 years old and originally from the Mayan indigenous community of San Juan La Laguna, Sololá, Guatemala. I am currently in my final year of my Bachelor’s Degree in Pedagogy and Educational Administration at the University of San Carlos of Guatemala. My dream is to continue my education and next year begin a Master’s Degree in University Teaching, a challenge that represents not only personal and professional growth, but also an opportunity to contribute to my community and my country through education.

However, I come from a low-income family who is unable to support me financially. My parents do not have steady jobs nor do they earn the minimum wage. Despite these challenges, they have instilled in me the values of effort and perseverance. I work Monday through Friday as a teacher at San Juan Spanish School and study on weekends, but my income will not be enough to cover the expenses of the Master’s program or living in the city, which amounts to $600 a month (most of which will go towards paying tuition).

I hope you´ll consider supporting my educational journey. My greatest wish is to become a university professor and serve as an example of perseverance for my community, paving the way for more indigenous youth, especially women, to believe in themselves and pursue higher education.