Mariela's story...

Hola everyone.

I am Mariela from NPH Mexico. Please excuse my English…those ESL classes are working slowly for me. 

I am grateful for this opportunity to be in front of you. The people who make NPH possible, without knowing us, you have decided to be part of our life. 

I would like to share a little of my story with you.

So, how did I arrive at NPH? One of the most impactful moments of my life was when my father abandoned us, and my mom died from cancer. I was 7 years old. 

My sisters (Anahi) and (Lucero) and my brother, Christian, and I were left with my Aunt Victoria, who was a single mother. She already had 2 children, one who was disabled. I cannot imagine how hard it was for her to take care of all of us. 

I remember the day when she told us about NPH—how it would be better for us there and that she would always support us. I was 8 years old, and I did not understand what was going on, but I was scared. 

When I came to NPH with my sisters and brother, it was so different. There were so many children and the house was so big! 

Time passed and things changed, and after a while, everything was great. I had many friends at school and we played every day. Sometimes, I wondered where my family was and why I was in NPH. 

 

I just wanted to have my mother and father. 

A “normal” family. 

But then I realized that all the people that were around me at NPH, were now my family. They were the people with whom I share a story, share a life, and that no matter what our past is, we are now making a new story, together. 

At NPH, I kept studying and after high school, we all give 2 years of service to say thank you to NPH before going to university. During my years of service, I took care of a group of 50 girls between 9 and 12 years old. It was really hard work – but during this time I learned that even though I was still young, if you act with love you will be an inspiration for others.

When I thought about the university, I had to decide what I wanted to do with my life. 

Where did I want to go? What did I want to do? Archaeology? History? Administration…well, in the end, I chose Dentistry. But why? This is a good story…

One day when I was 17 years old, I did something wrong—though now I can’t remember what it was. As a result, I had to help the dentist at NPH in the mornings for one year. Although I did not like helping at first, I loved helping the dentist so much, that it became my dream to be a dentist. 

I studied dentistry at the university in Monterrey in northern Mexico for 6 long years…and I graduated one year ago, right before I came to Seattle.  

It was not easy, but I did it and now I am Dr. Mariela Jaime!

 

Now I am here in Seattle for the NPH Leadership Institute. Studying, growing as a person, being responsible, and trying to learn how to be a leader in my community. It is an experience that has allowed me to grow personally and professionally, and it has given me the opportunity to share with my brothers and sisters from other countries.

I have chosen to become an inspiration for my younger brothers and sisters, following the legacy of our beloved Fr. Wasson—who founded NPH. I am only a small part of the seeds that he planted and 

I know he is proud of us all. 

When I return to my country, a new stage will begin in my life, where I am going to face the world outside NPH. It scares me, but I know have the skills, values, and family to succeed. 

I want to end by taking this opportunity to say thank you for believing in NPH, supporting me, and being part of my life. Thank you for helping to give us opportunity and education. NPH really transforms lives, and I am an example of that. 

If you have any questions, feel free to talk to me or the other leadership students here. We would love to answer any questions you have. 

Thank you!