Closer to Her Dream

In her gang-riddled community of San Miguel, El Salvador, Erika’s life has been colored by the violence and death that were a constant presence during her childhood.

The first time her life was touched by gangs was when her father, a security guard, was killed by gang members. Her mother, Roxana, who was also a security guard, quit her job in fear that she would leave her little girl as an orphan.

But without an education, Roxana struggled to find work. The odd jobs she found were never enough to provide for Erika, and eventually they moved in with Roxana’s mother and 14 other relatives.

When Erika was 5 years old, the family was visited by a group of women from a local church who were enrolling children in the Compassion program.

Roxana didn’t hesitate to enroll her daughter. Even though she doesn’t consider herself a Christian, Roxana decided that Erika deserved to have better opportunities than she could offer her.

As she grew up, Erika attended Iglesia de Dios Santuario de Restauración, where she says she received the motivation she needed to change the mindset of poverty as a barrier and, instead, believe that she could reach her goals.

Surrounded by adults who loved her and protected her, Erika was able to build confidence and solid self-esteem. "Perseverance" became one of her favorite words.

“We noticed that Erika was very smart, and we wanted to support her in everything,” says Ruth Martinez, Director of Erika’s center.

Erika boldly chose to study nursing, becoming the first one in her center to receive a scholarship through Compassion’s Youth Development. This educational strategy allows the young adult to continue in the Compassion program until the age of 22 and covers all the expenses of monthly school fees, books, laboratory practices and graduation costs.

“Other beneficiaries now look up to her as their role model. They want to be where Erika is, and she encourages them,” says Ruth.

Through the belief and support of her family, Compassion staff and her sponsor, Erika decided she wanted to not only go to nursing school but also to eventually become a doctor. While she has excelled in her studies, she has often had to deal with the prejudices of classmates who can’t believe a girl who comes from so little could ever achieve her dreams. But Erika refuses to give up. When classmates ridicule her, she encourages them. When they mock her, she prays for them. And slowly, she has become an inspiration, even to those who mocked her.

Everything that should have defeated Erika has only made her stronger. She has survived so much, but she is only just beginning her journey.

“I want to thank Compassion for this great opportunity that will help me to get closer to my dream of becoming a doctor in the future,” says Erika. “I want to thank my sponsor for the encouraging words in each letter, and the special women in my life who have been there with me along the way: my mom, my tutor Glenda de Quintanilla and my Center Director Ruth Martinez. With their support I’ll continue moving forward.”

Will you help support more young adults like Erika in their journey out of poverty through Compassion's Youth Development Program?