“Would the fear of trying this out be greater than the regret of not doing it at all?”
That simple question has guided Hope Ignites scholar Nancy to step outside her comfort zone, embrace new experiences, and ultimately discover her purpose.
The summer before her senior year of high school, Nancy traveled to Guatemala as part of the Hope Ignites GuateMaya Service and Immersion Trip. What she encountered there left a lasting impression, shaping not only her plans for the future but also inspiring her to take action long after she returned home.
Since joining Hope Ignites as a sixth-grade scholar, Nancy has spent the past seven years growing through the program. Along the way, she was supported by dedicated program managers, encouraged to explore new opportunities, and challenged to discover her passions. The GuateMaya trip became one of the most transformative experiences of her journey.
Today, she is beginning an exciting new chapter at Boston College, where she is studying Human Development and Psychology. But before heading off to college, she found one more way to give back.
Inspired to Do More
“After the Guatemala trip, I felt that the service I did wasn’t enough and I wanted to do more for Esperanza Juvenil.”
During her time in Guatemala, Nancy formed meaningful connections with the young people she met and gained a deeper understanding of the challenges they face. The experience also helped her discover a career path she feels passionate about.
“The trip helped me decide on Psychology as my major, and I hope to pursue either child psychology or social work.”
The experience resonated on a personal level as well.
“My family comes from Honduras, which is very similar to Guatemala. Helping kids who are in situations that closely resemble those in Honduras really hit close to home and motivated me to take it a step further.”
Turning Inspiration into Action
Determined to continue supporting Esperanza Juvenil, Nancy leveraged her leadership role as Spanish Language Activities Officer at Xavier College Preparatory to organize a school supply drive.
What began as an idea quickly evolved into a major undertaking.
Nancy worked through countless details: identifying the supplies most needed by Esperanza Juvenil, developing donation incentives, coordinating shipping logistics, securing support from teachers and club advisors, and creating a marketing plan to engage fellow students. With the support of her school’s Spanish Club officers and faculty, the drive came to life and collected much-needed supplies for students in Guatemala.
The effort reflects one of the core values of Hope Ignites: becoming a person for others. Rather than simply appreciating her experience, Nancy transformed gratitude into action and invited her entire school community to join her in serving others.
The Power of Opportunity
When reflecting on her years with Hope Ignites, one experience rises above the rest.
“The Guatemala trip is what helped me choose my career.”
At the same time, Nancy is quick to point out that her journey was shaped by more than a single experience.
“The program managers I’ve had over the years helped shape my path.”
The Guatemala trip helped Nancy discover a future she wanted to pursue, while the mentorship and encouragement she received from Hope Ignites staff helped her build the confidence, perspective, and skills to get there. Through meaningful relationships, educational opportunities, leadership development, and transformative experiences, Hope Ignites helps scholars discover who they are and who they can become.
Stories like Nancy’s are possible because of the generosity of donors and supporters who invest in young people and their futures.
When asked what she would say to those who make these opportunities possible, her answer was simple:
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities that have been presented to me. Without them, I couldn’t be where I am now.”
A Family’s Perspective
The impact of the Guatemala experience was visible not only to Nancy, but also to her family.
“When she came home from Guatemala, we noticed a change in her. She was more motivated and inspired by what she had experienced. She talked often about the children she met, their intelligence, and the limited opportunities available to them. As a family with roots in Honduras, those conversations were especially meaningful. We were proud to see her wanting to help and use what she had learned to make a difference.”
For her parents, the experience sparked deeper conversations about opportunity, service, and the responsibility to help others when possible.
Looking Ahead
Like many students preparing for college, Nancy was nervous about leaving home. Moving across the country to Boston felt daunting at first. But after settling in, she discovered exactly what she hoped to find: growth.
She has embraced her independence, explored a vibrant new city, and continued building the future she first envisioned during that summer in Guatemala.
As she reflects on her journey, her advice to other scholars captures the courage that has defined her path:
“The fear of uncertainty is temporary until it becomes your new normal, but regret is long-lasting. Starting is always the hard part, but you are more adaptable than you think.”
Because of the support of Hope Ignites donors and community members, scholars are given opportunities that expand their horizons, deepen their sense of purpose, and inspire them to become leaders who serve others. Nancy’s journey, from Guatemala to organizing a school supply drive to pursuing a future in psychology and social impact work, is a powerful reminder that when we invest in young people, the impact extends far beyond a single experience. It creates a ripple effect of service, compassion, and leadership that continues to reach communities near and far.