Paola
Paola Serrano has a brilliant smile and dreams of working as a professional in the tourism industry. She’s getting closer to achieving this dream now that she is sixteen and will soon complete 10th grade. More than 10 years ago, Safe Passage founder Hanley Denning brought Paula into the small church used at the time by the program, and Paola has never forgotten this act. “Hanley was very special because, thanks to her goodness, we are all here studying and developing ourselves.”
Paola speaks English very well, and her smile illuminates the space around her. Her life is different from many children in other parts of the world, though. Her father is not present in the family, and her older sister works full time to care for their sick mother. When asked what her favorite extracurricular activities are, Paola replied that she does not have time for them after completing her homework and caring for her mom. Her vacation time from school has been spent selling clothes and kitchen supplies at markets and fairs to earn extra money for her family. She explains, “It’s very important to keep studying and not close oneself in and lock oneself up. You have to find a way forward.”
Paola wants to go to university and major in International Relations. Her favorite subjects at Safe Passage are physical education and computing; she loves Microsoft Excel. Like other girls her age, Paola enjoys listening music, especially pop. Someday, Paola aspires to travel to other cities and experience new cultures. Paola’s smile is still bright despite all the hardships she has overcome in life. “I try to find the positive side of the things,” she says, “no matter how bad they can be.”
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