Mavis

Mavis Mabel Espinoza Garin joined Mayatan as a kindergartner back when we were still located across from the archaeological site. She grew up here, continuing as a scholarship student at Mayatan until she was sixteen. (Mayatan did not have a colegio at the time.)

Like many other students, Mavis was lucky to have a sponsor who stayed with her throughout her education, and she is grateful for that gift. She says that "Mayatan is one of the best things in my life. Everything I learned there helped me to become who I am."  Mavis’s parents always did their best for their two daughters, but things  weren't easy. Mavis’s dad is a shoemaker, while Mavis’s mom, Ana, works in a  local store, and they jumped at the opportunity to send Mavis to  Mayatan.

Throughout her time at Mayatan Bilingual School, Mavis demonstrated her eagerness for opportunities. For example, during her final year, Mavis began to work weekends at Bascamp, a Belgian-run outdoor adventure tour company based in town. Mavis's English skills and great personality made her an asset to Basecamp, which offered her a full-time position after Mayatan let out. Moreover, the experience taught Mavis that she would like to further her education and perhaps find a well-paying job in the tourism industry one day. In addition to Basecamp, Mavis has worked at Casa de Jada, a jewelry shop that caters to tourists in Copán.

Today, Mavis is preparing to graduate with a bachillerato de ciencias y letras and a certificate in computers from a carrera, or career college, in Santa Rita de Copán. Her dream is to attend a university and further her career.

Everything from Basecamp to finishing school in the departmental capital are opportunities that would normally be beyond the reach of even a talented, determined young woman like Mavis. She would like to thank everyone who helped her along the way, especially her 9th Grade English teacher, Miss Deborah. Mavis’s advice for other students is to “Keep trying and don’t give up ... even when things seem impossible they can come true." Mayatan wishes Mavis success with all of her dreams.