Technology allows us to do some pretty incredible things! In August, we connected our students in Honduras with their education sponsors through our first-ever Zoom meetings! Before each community had reliable internet, students and sponsors would correspond via snail mail -- a reliable, albeit slow, communication method. Now, students and sponsors can build relationships in real-time through video conferencing. We are so excited to watch these connections grow through the use of technology!
Rachel Hooper, who volunteers on our communications team and health squad, is also an education sponsor. Find out why she became a sponsor, then see what her student, Nora, has to say about the experience.
RACHEL HOOPER:
Why did you decide to become an education sponsor?
I became an education sponsor because education has been such a blessing in my life. I have had the opportunity to receive a high-quality education and had the support of many teachers who believed in me and encouraged me to reach my full potential, enabling me to be where I am today. I would not have discovered my passion for advocacy, policy, and communications, or pursued the career opportunities I have been blessed with without this education. This sponsorship is one way I can give back to others; by supporting a student like I was supported. I believe that no matter where you live, everyone deserves a high-quality education so they can reach their full potential.
What’s your favorite part of sponsoring a student?
I feel joy from being a part of helping someone else reach their dream, so my favorite part has been interacting with and getting to know my student, Nora, through letters and Zoom. I also appreciated getting to meet Nora’s other education sponsor.
What was the Zoom process like?
It was easy because we had an excellent translator to help us. I was so grateful for his time and commitment to our conversation. The translator joined in a little and made us both feel comfortable. Luckily, we didn’t have any technical problems.
How do you think Zoom meetings could benefit your relationship with your student going forward?
Because of COVID-19, I wasn’t able to travel to Honduras this year after going three years in a row. Zoom has enabled me to see and be with my student. Letters are great, but being able to speak with your student face-to-face is much more meaningful. I think being able to have ongoing face-to-face interaction will allow us to have a deeper connection. What I enjoyed was that through Zoom, Nora was able to meet my family, my dog, and even see my backyard. I think for her, that was nice; she could see who I was talking about in my letters.
NORA:
What has it meant to have an education sponsor? How is your life different now?
Having a sponsor means having a person who is willing to support me with what I need for my education. They also inspire me to achieve my goals, and I thank God for my sponsors for supporting me. My life is different in the way that I can graduate and thus help my family and motivate more people to fulfill their dreams -- just like I will.
What did using Zoom to meet with your sponsors mean to you?
For me, it meant a lot because I was able to talk and see them again. I had not seen them for a long time.
How was using Zoom to meet with your sponsors different than a letter?
The difference is that with the letter, I only write and read when I receive letters from my godparents, but with the Zoom, I can see the person and can talk directly.
What are your goals, and how is a good education helping you achieve them?
My goal is to graduate as a family law lawyer. A good education will help me be a good lawyer, but without an education, I will not achieve my goals.