Faces of Na’atik: Juan

Nothing makes us prouder at Na’atik than watching our local students go on to higher education. Many Mexican universities require that students have strong English language skills to be accepted. Na’atik works hard to ensure that as many students as possible from Felipe Carrillo Puerto and the surrounding Maya communities have access to our classes which provide them with the preparation required to apply. This year, Juan, a Na’atik scholarship student from a nearby community, has started at the University of Quintana Roo in the state capital Chetumal, and  travels back every weekend to continue his studies with us here at Na’atik. We sat down with Juan to talk about his time here at Na’atik and about his English language journey.

Where are you from?

I am from X-Pichil, a Maya community about 45 minutes drive away from Felipe Carrillo Puerto. Ten years ago it was very small but it has been growing ever since and now there are many more people and some shops.

When did you start taking classes at Na’atik?

I am not sure exactly, because it has been a while. I think I started about 5 years ago, when I was in my second year of middle school.

Why did you start taking English classes?

My mom told me that I should start learning another language because it would be important for my future. At first I did not want to do it, I was too young to understand the importance of speaking English and what it could do for me. I am grateful that she convinced me though.

Do you remember how you felt in your first class?

I was quite scared and overwhelmed. I didn’t really listen to the teacher much because I knew I couldn’t understand. I did not know even one word in English! I just felt lost and I didn’t have the confidence to speak.

How did you feel when you started to understand words?

The first phrase I learned was “My name is Juan”. I was so happy and proud that I could say it, and when I got home I told my mom how happy I was and showed her that I could say a phrase in English.

Have you had many different teachers?

Yes I have had a few different teachers. I have had a teacher from here in Carrillo, two from the United States, although I don’t remember which cities they were from, and also two from England.

Have any of your teachers made a particular impression on you?

I think all my teachers have. Rachel, my first teacher from England, was a big surprise because the accent was so different from what I heard before, and it took me a while to understand her, but it was also good because now I am better at understanding and recognizing different accents.

What has been your favorite part of studying here at Na’atik?

I have come to think of it as a second home because I enjoy my classes a lot and I love my classmates. Mostly it is the environment, I enjoy playing language games with my friends and I like my teachers too.

What has been the hardest part of studying at Na’atik?

For me it is the distance I live from the school. X-Pichil is not that close and there are not many easy ways to get to Carrillo, only if someone can drive and there is not always a car available.

What are you studying at university and why?

My major is English Language. I was inspired by seeing teacher Erick, who is from my community, speaking English and teaching it, and realized that I wanted to do the same thing. He tells me I can do even better.

What are your plans after university?

I would like to be a teacher, maybe at an important university. I don’t just want to teach English though, I would also like to teach Maya. I think it is so important that people on the Peninsula learn Maya from a young age. Growing up with two languages also makes learning more languages easier.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I would love to be able to start a school in my community teaching English and Maya.

Why have you decided to continue studying at Na’atik alongside your university studies?

Learning at Na’atik is different to learning in a normal classroom. Here I learn conversational skills, not just grammar. It is  a challenge because I have to travel for two or three hours from my university back to my hometown and then travel again to Na’atik, but I think it is worth it for me because I learn so much here.

What would you say to children from the area who are thinking about learning English at Na’atik?

I would tell them that learning English is very important, not only for their future careers, but also because it is important for understanding other cultures. Every language and culture is worth learning about. I would tell them that Na’atik is a good school with great and kind teachers. They will have a lot of fun here and learn a lot as well.

Thank you Juan for taking the time to speak with us about your time here at Na’atik. We are delighted to have you in class again this year and look forward to seeing your future as an educator.

To read more about our Maya Youth Scholarship Program, and about how your donations, immersion experiences and online classes help us to support local students make their own futures, visit the Impact section of our website. Thank you again to members of the Na’atik family, without whose support, none of this would be possible.