In order to be eligible for a scholarship to the three-week intensive English summer program at Gannon University, our students were required to participate in an official application process. Students answered questions about their backgrounds, aspirations, fears, and motivations. Their answers were honest and inspirational. By sharing these responses from the applications, we hope to give you a glimpse into what this opportunity would mean to students at Santa Clara High School. We hope to secure funding so at least two students can reap the benefits of exposure to language and culture through travel.
When asked how this program will prepare for the pursuit of future educational and professional goals… 
I believe that this program will expand my knowledge of the English language, will help me to manage this language with greater ease and fluency, so in the near future, it will be of great benefit for my time in college. […] thanks to this program I will be able to help other people who do not speak [English] and contribute to society in a positive way, I could be more useful in the medical brigades to which I translate every time I have the opportunity.
When asked how the parents feel about this opportunity…
[E]xcited mostly, because I would have an amazing opportunity and also very [grateful] if I got the chance to go. It would be great to [meet] new people and see new places because an opportunity like this does not come everyday. [It would] be like an adventure where I could learn. All they want more than anything is for me to get out and overcome myself.
When asked about the greatest concern regarding the experience… 
One of my worries is who’s going to be in charge of me during those three weeks? Who will I [room] with? Can I go shopping? What days can I contact my family or friends? I am an adventurous person so I do not have big worries. I am willing to adapt to Gannon University for those three weeks. It will be a great experience with many changes and the worries do not have to be a big deal.
When asked how visiting a Catholic university abroad could strengthen faith…
I believe the Gannon University is a community that grows and strengthens in what God taught us, and then teaching to the younger generations, so one day these generations will try their best to never leave the good path and [will] change the world little by little. Just like the foundation is already doing in Honduras.
And I want to be part of that; I want to feel the presence of God in my education. I want to feel blessed and accompanied, so I can always be strong and never lose faith in him.
When asked to describe a personality trait that would allow for success in this program….
I am a believer. Foundations like Olancho Aid have put so many resources in places like Honduras that I believe I have the potential to change the world. Not as a fairy tale, but in a realist way. I believe and I know that even opportunities like this can change your point of view, they can change your direction in life. I want to work really hard for what I believe, and I know the world outside school isn’t going to be all easy and soft. I have experience with cruel reality. I know what is like to fail, but I have never give up and I’m not going to start now. I want to grow and learn; I want to contribute to society and keep my morals.
We are so proud of our Santa Clara High School students for believing in themselves and in their ability to succeed.
You can help these students realize their potential. Since this opportunity is approaching quickly, students and their families don’t have much time to save or fundraise for the summer program. Can you donate to the scholarship fund? Any amount will help our students get closer to this life changing experience!
