Two Interviews with Two Young Men

After graduating from high school, Juan Daniel and Ariel have begun their post-secondary schooling.  The interview below catches up with two of the four graduates of Kaya's first graduating class as they describe what they have learned over the years, the challenges they face now, and what keeps them going.

Juan Daniel and Ariel

What do you study and where?
Juan Daniel: I’m taking an intensive course to be an international chef.  It lasts 6 months and is part of the Ichuri Foundation.
Ariel: I’m studying to be a physical education teacher in the Higher School for Teacher Training.

What made you interested in studying this?
Juan Daniel: I love to cook!
Ariel: In the beginning, because it was a shorter training and I thought it would be a good foundation to study additional things.  But now it’s because there are definite benefits – you have a guaranteed job when you finish and health insurance.

How do you think your experience at Kaya has influenced your studies?
Juan Daniel: It had a lot of influence.  I depend on the moral support, as well as the economic support to continue my studies.
Ariel: A lot, because it’s helped me in everything.  In school, and now in higher education.

What goals do you have for the future?
Juan Daniel: I would like to continue studying, continue developing specializations, and become licensed in gastronomy and then start to work.
Ariel: I want to finish what I am studying, then work, and then possibly begin a second career in mechanical and electronic engineering.

What are some difficulties you have encountered in the past?
Juan Daniel: My childhood, because I feel like I haven’t lived the right life. 
Ariel: One difficulty I overcame was my own character.  I didn’t pay attention to the consequences of my actions and I liked to take things that weren’t mine.

What are some of the challenges you are encountering and how do you remain focused on your goals?
Juan Daniel: A big challenge for me right now are the problems in my family, but I don’t let that influence how I am doing.
Ariel: My studies are a challenge for me and sometimes I worry about my grades, but I try to stay strong and focused on my objectives and on what I am studying. 

What is the biggest tool that Kaya has given you or facilitated?
Juan Daniel: The biggest tool that they have given me is the ability to count on someone, and the support.
Ariel: The tool that they’ve given me is love, moral support, and economic assistance.

How do you think we can improve the Kaya program?
Juan Daniel: Not be so flexible with respect to discipline, because I think it’s important motivation for success.
Ariel: For me, everything is good, but I think it’s important to always maintain a living discipline, earn respect through the way you treat people – teaching them, talking to them, not earning respect through fear.