Boystown Honduras, Class of 2022
I was born and raised in Dolores, Copán, in a humble rural village in Honduras. I come from a humble and hardworking family. My life has been shaped by challenges, dreams, and valuable lessons. Without a doubt, it has not been easy to get to where I am today.
From a very young age, I dreamed of pursuing an education and becoming an agronomy engineer. Determined to achieve that goal, I wanted to continue my studies after finishing elementary school. However, my family did not share the same vision. Instead, I spent two years working in the fields alongside my father and brothers. No one in my family had ever attended college, so they believed that studying was simply a waste of time. Combined with the financial difficulties we faced, I was forced to put my dreams on hold.
Despite everything, I was certain of one thing: God had better plans for my life. Just when becoming an agricultural engineer seemed like an impossible dream, I learned about Villa de los Niños. Even though my parents knew it was a school that provided a comprehensive education free of charge, they still doubted the value of studying. After much persistence on my part, they finally agreed to let me attend, although they remained uncertain about the decision.
Orlin as a student at the Sisters of Mary Boystown in Honduras.
Villa de los Niños, my alma mater, completely transformed my life. It gave me a family, lifelong friendships, and extraordinary mothers who guided and supported me. It became a beacon of light that helped me pursue my goals. There, I learned values that continue to shape me wherever I go. The school helped build my character and, most importantly, brought me closer to God.
Thanks to the support of the Sisters of Mary and the Tom and Glory Sullivan Scholarship, friends of the Sisters, I am on track to earn my bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Sciences and Production from Zamorano University. My heart is filled with gratitude for the many blessings I have received throughout my life. Today, I can proudly say that my family has come to realize that education is truly worthwhile. They have witnessed firsthand that discipline, hard work, and determination can overcome any obstacle, including financial hardship.
I had the opportunity to complete my professional internship at Iowa State University, an achievement that represents years of sacrifice and dedication. Who would have imagined that the young boy whose wings were once nearly clipped would one day reach this point? None of this would have been possible without the trust and support of every person who believed in me, especially the Sisters.
Now that I have taken another important step in my professional journey and achieved what I dreamed of since childhood, I want to continue moving forward with the same determination and discipline. I aspire to keep growing professionally, gain valuable experience, and begin making a positive impact on my family and my community. My greatest dream is to one day give back to Villa de los Niños and provide opportunities for other young people to develop their potential.
am deeply grateful to the Sisters of Mary and Villa de los Niños. From the bottom of my heart, I thank every benefactor who supports this mission. Even though they may never personally meet each student, their generosity and trust have transformed the lives of many young people like me. Every achievement we accomplish reflects their solidarity and kindness. May God bless the Sisters of Mary and every benefactor for planting seeds of hope and love in each of us.
I thank God for every goal I have achieved. I am fully aware that reaching this point is not a coincidence; rather, it is the manifestation of God’s will and glory in my life. It is the result of a collective effort and the support of every person who has helped me along the way.
