Student Profile: Dony

Dony began his studies at Maya Jaguar Private Technical Institute in January 2025 as a first-year high school student. Several of his friends from his aldea (village) had studied here as junior high students. They encouraged him to attend the school, assuring him he’d get a better quality education than the public schools offer. He’s so grateful he listened to them, and that his parents also encouraged him to continue his education.

Since he was a little boy he has wanted to be a doctor — based on his personal experiences of needing to be cared for in his early childhood years. He has six younger brothers and one older sister.

This coming school year - his last year of high school - he will research his options for university medical school programs as well as the costs. He’s aware that medical school is expensive and probably not viable at this time. His back-up plan is to become a junior high teacher for a few years to gain financial stability before applying to medical school.

We observed a confident, caring young man who exhibited excellent communication and listening skills - the qualities one would hope for from his health care provider.

(Interview with Dony by Susan Hill)