Safe Passage | Camino Seguro

Juan Carlos' photography was displayed in a gallery in November 2010. Here, he poses by his collection at the opening reception.

Juan Carlos attends Safe Passage and is in his fifth year studying business administration. In November 2010, his photography was featured in a gallery exhibition outside of Guatemala City.  This formal event celebrated the work of many Safe Passage photography and music students, and they attended, along with their parents, dressed for the special occasion. Here is Juan Carlos' bio, the one displayed alongside his photography:"The biggest challenge I have faced was to graduate from high school.  I studied my first year in Kinal [one of Guatemala’s best private schools].  Because of the pressure that students face there it was really difficult for me.  I left Kinal to continue my last two years at a different private school, where I succeeded in graduating, thanks to my hard work.  I have my godmother to thank, who in spite of being a single mother has supported me in every moment of my life.  She truly is an example for me because in spite of all the problems and difficult moments that she has had in her life, she never left me alone and she has always been there when I most needed her.  My brothers and Safe Passage also have always helped me to move forward and to achieve my goals.         

Juan Carlos studies business administration. In the future, he hopes his work will be "not to compete" but instead to "unite businesses to improve the situation of our country."

"A place that I would want to take a picture of would be Panajachel because it is a beautiful place that is really important because of the culture and people that live there.

"My biggest fear, due to the spreading violence and killing that we live with every day in this country, is that something happens to me in the street or on the buses, which would mean that I wouldn´t be able to fulfill my dreams.  Sometimes I even fear leaving the house.   

"In the future, I want to graduate with a university degree and would like to become a general manager in one of the biggest national or international companies.  I would like to be able to start my own business afterwards but this would not be to compete with the other businesses in Guatemala.  Instead, I would much rather unite businesses to improve the situation of our country."