The end of the academic year is always a bittersweet moment as we celebrate our students’ achievements but also wave goodbye to those who are graduating and moving on to their next steps. Two of our graduating scholarship students, Rosy and Ángel, took the time to speak with us (in their excellent English) about their time here at Na’atik, and what the future holds for them.

First of all, congratulations to both of you on graduating from Na’atik. I know your teachers, the staff, and your scholarship sponsors are proud of all your hard work during your time here.

How many years have you been studying at Na’atik?

Rosy: I think it has been nine years! Since 2013.

Ángel: I have been studying here for about eight years, since I was only ten.

Did you know any English when you started?

Rosy: I only knew the numbers one to ten and the words “cat” and “dog”.

Ángel: I knew some basic stuff like numbers one to ten and the alphabet from A to G which my dad had taught me.

Do you remember your first teacher? How many teachers have you had?

Rosy: My first teacher was Margaret. I have had many others from all around the world. It is helpful because I can understand all the accents now. When my first British teachers, Rachel and Paul, came, I couldn’t understand them at all!

Ángel: I can’t remember my first teacher’s name, but she was really nice. She would always talk to me in Spanish to help me when I couldn’t understand what she was saying. I have had a different teacher every year, so eight in total.

How difficult have you found learning English? What has been the hardest part?

Rosy: It has gotten easier with practice. The teachers always help so it is never too hard. For me the pandemic was the hardest part because I found online group classes harder and less interesting. It was great being back to in-person classes at the end.

Ángel: For me the hardest part was when the teachers started using only English in the class. It was a big challenge for me as I still didn’t know that much at the time.

What was your favorite thing about your time at Na’atik?

Rosy: The opportunities to talk with lots of different people and to practice speaking. I loved all of the activities as well.

Ángel: I really love the way the school makes us practice our English. The camping days as kids were amazing and then the trips with my friends were even better. Also, the events such as the Halloween Party were always amazing.

What impact has studying at Na’atik had on your life?

Rosy: Na’atik gave me the opportunity to speak to people from all around the world, letting me see all that is possible. It means when I travel, I can communicate and meet new people. It also showed me that there are many different careers I can have.

Ángel: It has changed my life. It has opened a lot of opportunities for me and has helped me decide about my future and what I want to do.

What are your immediate plans now that you have finished high school?

Rosy: I am going to university in Chetumal to study Energy System Engineering.

Ángel: I will be going to university to study Tourism next month but am also taking part in a contest for the opportunity to study abroad.

Why have you chosen to study those subjects at university?

Rosy: I always enjoyed studying it at school and I am in love with electricity! I have followed my heart and my interest in understanding how things work. The process excites me.

Ángel: It was really difficult to decide what to study, as there are so many different ways to go. I finally chose Tourism because thanks to my level of English I can learn another new language and I’m really excited to see my performance at it. I also chose it because I think it has an impact in my community.

How are you planning to use English in your life and career?

Rosy: Being an engineer will mean using English a lot. Many manuals and documents are in English, so I will have an advantage. English will also help me realise my travel dreams, including doing a motorcycle tour somewhere. There are just so many places I want to see.

Ángel: English will be very important in my career, so I expect to take advantage of it and keep learning as I know I am not done.

Where do you see yourself in five or ten years?

Rosy: I am not sure about my future yet. I have thought about coming back and helping the community here by starting a solar energy company, but I really don’t know yet.

Ángel: Maybe working in a place I love or even having my own company. I really like the idea of having my own company.

What will you miss most about Na’atik? 

Rosy: I will miss everything. I love the school. I am sad but also excited about the future.

Ángel: I will miss everything. The classes, the buildings, my classmates, the teachers, the friends I made since the first year. Everything was amazing, I really love this school. I will miss Teacher Catherine as well since she has been my main support throughout these years. Thanks to her, I’m here.

What message would you give to anyone thinking about learning English at Na’atik?

Rosy: I think that learning English is so important to understand many people and have interactions. The school opens minds and helps us to have no fear. It also helps for getting into good universities!

Ángel: I would say try it. If you feel that you can’t, keep trying. Perseverance is the key to being good at this. Do your best, and don’t be scared if you think someone’s better than you. Remember everyone feels the same way.

Thank you to both of you for taking the time to talk to us about your experiences. We hope you enjoy your summer and the adventures that await at university. Keep us updated on your successes and know that you will always be a part of the family here at Na’atik.

If you want to read more about the impact of Na’atik’s work in the community click here. If you would like to sponsor a student for the next academic year, please contact communications@naatikmexico.org or click here.