Supporter of the Month: Kate Bitney

“I was immediately drawn to the homestay component as well as the small class sizes,” she says. “As I started reading more about Na'atik's programming and realized that they also provide English classes and scholarships to local students, I was hooked.”

For Kate, learning Spanish had been on her list for years. She knew from a study abroad experience earlier in life that the most effective way to truly learn a language was through immersion, so she spent countless hours researching programs before eventually discovering Na’atik.

At first, it was the program itself that caught her attention. The small class sizes and the opportunity to live with a local family stood out from other schools she had considered. But as she continued reading about Na’atik, she realized there was something much bigger behind the language program.

“It is an incredible privilege to be able to travel to México to learn Spanish and to be invited into someone's home as part of their family,” she says. “So to take part in a school that also gives back locally to the community that would be welcoming me spoke very directly to my heart.”

That philosophy of reciprocity ultimately inspired Kate to become one of Na’atik’s Changemakers. Supporting the organization wasn’t simply about giving back after her trip. It felt like a continuation of everything that had drawn her there in the first place.

“Everyone at the school was incredibly welcoming and helpful; my homestay family treated me as one of their own; and I loved seeing the interactions at the school by all who entered its doors and participated in classes and activities,” she recalls.

Her connection became even more personal knowing that two of her host brothers attended English classes at Na’atik.

“It felt really good to be able to contribute to the program that they were part of as well, given how much their family supported me while I was in Carrillo,” she says.

Learning Lessons That Last

When Kate reflects on her time in Felipe Carrillo Puerto, one person immediately comes to mind: her Spanish teacher, Pedro.

Because they worked together one-on-one, he quickly recognized not only her level of Spanish but also something deeper.

“He quickly assessed where I was at in terms of language knowledge, skills and confidence, but also where and how I was getting frustrated with myself for not knowing more, faster,” she remembers.

Rather than simply correcting grammar or expanding vocabulary, Pedro helped reshape the way she approached learning itself.

“He very gently yet directly invited me to not be so hard on myself, as that would only make my learning experience harder,” she says. “He said, 'If I told you that you would be fluent in Spanish in two weeks, I would be lying to you; this takes time!'”

Instead of focusing only on what she could accomplish during her stay, Pedro encouraged her to build a strong foundation she could continue developing after returning home.

“We talked a lot about learning a foundation to use to continue my studies after I left, and the importance of being curious and patient with oneself,” she says.

Those conversations left a lasting impression.

“My new mantra is poco a poco,” she says. “It is truly a great life lesson for so many other aspects of my life and work. Good things take time!”

Pedro also shared much more than language.

“He taught me about local Maya culture and the history of the region as well as greater México, which was incredibly special and an unexpected gift in my overall experience,” she reflects.

Outside the classroom, some of her favorite memories came from her homestay family.

One Saturday, her two young host brothers invited her to spend the afternoon riding bicycles around Felipe Carrillo Puerto, proudly showing her the places they loved most.

“It felt like such an honor,” Kate says. “Whenever a kid asks if you would like to hang out, always say yes!”

She also makes sure to recognize one small detail that helped make those adventures possible.

“Huge thanks to Na'atik for providing every student with a bicycle.”

Why Supporting Education Matters

Having worked in the nonprofit sector for a long time, Kate has seen firsthand how long-term investment in education can strengthen communities and create opportunities.

“I have worked for nonprofits for over 25 years and know the difference that ongoing, consistent support and programming makes to an organization and community,” she says.

During her time in Felipe Carrillo Puerto, she met students who spoke excitedly about their dreams for the future.

“I spoke with one student in Carrillo who was very excited to someday get an internship and train in an English-speaking country and noted that studying at Na'atik was helping to build his confidence toward reaching that goal,” she recalls.

She also heard similar stories from other members of the community.

“I spoke with local people, both children and adults, that talked about accessing classes at Na'atik and how classes had improved their comfort in being able to interact with people in English, as well as, for some, career opportunities,” she says.

Those experiences reinforced something she has always believed.

“Language is deeply personal for every human, and being able to speak more than one language is a huge asset for learning, curiosity, career growth, and getting to know others and interact authentically.”

Coming from a small rural town in the American Midwest herself, Kate found something especially inspiring about what Na’atik has built.

“I still find it remarkable that they have such a strong and unique offering as Na'atik to help support both local people learning English and those visiting who want to learn and improve their Spanish and Maya,” she says. “This kind of programming is often found more in large cities, so being able to learn and grow in a smaller, more intimate community like Carrillo is a golden opportunity for locals and visitors.”

Advice for Future Students and Supporters

When asked what she would say to someone considering studying with Na’atik, Kate didn’t hesitate.

“Without hesitation... DO IT!” she says.

Although she spent several years thinking about enrolling before finally making the trip, she now describes it as one of the best decisions she has made.

“I had it in the back of my mind for a few years before committing to and coordinating making it happen, and am so glad that I did and cannot wait to go back,” she says.

Since returning home, she has enthusiastically recommended Na’atik to family, friends, and colleagues, and hopes to return one day with loved ones to share the experience.

She has already seen the impact the program has had on her own confidence.

“I went on a work trip recently and was speaking in Spanish at a restaurant, and my colleague noted that one thing she was most surprised and impressed by was the confidence I had built to be able to speak and do my best in another language. I thank Pedro for that!” she says.

Her message to anyone thinking about becoming a donor is just as enthusiastic.

“For those considering supporting Na'atik, my answer is the same: DO IT!” she says. “Your support, no matter how much, is going to an incredible program that provides life-changing opportunities to local people who are some of the warmest, most welcoming people you'll ever meet, as well as those coming in from outside of México who are wanting to improve their Spanish or Maya.”

For anyone who has not yet experienced Na’atik firsthand, she has one final recommendation.

“For those considering supporting that haven't yet experienced Na'atik as a language learner, I recommend both; support from afar, and get ready to be so impressed and moved by what you experience when you arrive,” she says.

Looking Toward the Future

As a Changemaker, Kate hopes her support allows Na’atik to continue strengthening the programs that already have such a meaningful impact while creating opportunities for even more students in the future.

“I hope my support helps Na'atik to be able to do more of what they are already doing and to, if it is their desire, expand even more!” she says.

For her, Na’atik represents something much greater than language instruction.

“This isn't 'just a language course',” she says. “It's an opportunity to experience culture and community; gain language skills and confidence; learn about local traditions and history; and build lifelong memories. You won't regret it!”

Kate’s story is a wonderful reminder that language has the power to connect people across cultures, but it is the generosity of supporters like her that ensures those opportunities continue for future generations. Through Changemakers like Kate, more local students can access quality language education while visitors from around the world continue to experience the warmth, culture, and community that make Na’atik such a special place.

Thank you, Kate, for being part of the Na’atik community and for helping create opportunities that will continue changing lives for years to come.

To learn more about Na’atik’s English language program for local and Indigenous students in Felipe Carrillo Puerto, visit our Impact Page. We are only able to provide this much needed program thanks to the support of generous donors and the funds raised from our award winning Maya and Spanish Immersion Program. If you would like to support our mission please consider donating today or take a look at our immersion programsand online class packages.