Olancho Aid Spotlight: Irene Umaña

Age: 24

Hometown: Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

University: Mercyhurst University, Erie, PA

When did you join Olancho Aid?

August 2017

How did you first hear about Olancho Aid?

I was volunteering in Nicaragua and my plans were to move back to Honduras and find a job. While I was job searching I saw an ad on a website that OAF was looking for a psychologist and then I applied.

What is your role at Olancho Aid?

I am the school psychologist at CEBSC. My job responsibilities are to provide individual or group counseling and strategies to help students deal with various behavioral issues, learning difficulties, disabilities, emotional problems, and other concerns.

What is a typical day at work like for you?

Every day is different not monotonous at all, one has to be prepared for any type of situation. I can personally say that I have learned the art of multitasking.

What is your favorite part of your job?

I get to do all the things I love, the most valuable aspect of being a psychologist is having the opportunity to just be there for students and to listen. It is rewarding to know that you are inspiring others to be all that they are capable of being by doing this they can go out into the world and pay it forward by helping others. Last but not least, kid hugs are the best!

Do you have a favorite memory of your time at Olancho Aid?

I am not really a morning person but I love when students welcome me with a hug and smile.

What is the funniest thing a student has ever said?

Sometimes little kids get confused and they call me “mami” (mommy) instead of my name.

What is a fun fact about yourself?

I like having new experiences. It doesn’t really matter if they are good or bad.