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Carol Ofelia Larrosa's Scholarship
After I had been in Paraguay for almost a year, I decided to read "Like water for chocolate" in Spanish to help improve my vocabulary. I was ripping through it at the lightning-fast pace of about a page per day, underlining every other word to put on my list of words to study later. My sister, Carol Ofelia, asked if she could borrow it one day and I gladly lent it to her, thinking that I’d pay a dollar to see a Paraguayan actually reading a novel. Paraguayans, as a general rule, do not read for pleasure. Every time someone saw me reading in my hammock, on the bus, or wherever, I was asked what I was studying. So when Carol read the entire book in a day, I was floored. Next, I had a copy of "House of the Spirits" in Spanish, which I lent to her. Book after book, she would just read them like a sponge soaking up water. In Paraguay, books are so expensive that they are considered a luxury saved for the intellectual elite. From then on, every holiday gift was a book. She even read "The Three Musketeers." That book’s as big as "War and Peace" and written in old-world Spanish. Needless to day, I was impressed.
During my last year of service, I encouraged Carol Ofelia to study computers outside of school. She even worked with me to earn a scholarship from Peace Corps to help pay for her studies. Carol graduated first in her class from high school just before I left Paraguay. Throughout my service, I encouraged her always to look for ways to improve herself, and she has a genuine desire to give back to her community. She spoke of continuing her studies in computers and then teaching later in life, and maybe one day working toward improving the abominable educational system in Paraguay. And, of course, I encouraged her all the way. Few teenagers have such admirable life goals, regardless of country or culture; and from the moment we met, I knew there was something special about Carol.
Well, Carol has followed my advice and is now in the capital, Asuncion, studying computers and staying at her aunt’s house nearby. I know from experience that her family cannot afford to pay for her studies and stay afloat for themselves. It was always a struggle for them to make ends meet even without this extra financial burden. They are humble people and would never express to me the true extent of their sacrifice in allowing Carol to pursue her dreams as I constantly encouraged her to do. I know the family as my own, and I know they need some help. And so I turn to you . . .
Her tuition is only $50 a month. That does not include the cost for her to travel and eat, or even to have clothes; but I would like to encourage her to find work on the side. Nothing free is ever truly appreciated. It’s not a lot of money, but the American dollar goes a long way in a third-world country. Basically, I’m asking that anyone who enjoyed following my wonderful experience through my emails consider helping me support the fulfillment of her dream. I’ve always believed that education is a right, not a privilege. I was so touched by all the support I received throughout my Peace Corps service; I know that many of you would be proud to continue supporting a cause that has come so dear to my heart. I would consider any contribution a personal favor, whether it’s $5 or $50, or even $2. I cannot promise a tax write-off or anything official, but I am pretty good about Thank You notes. I’m not too proud to beg, so if you know of anyone who would be interested in contributing to her education, please pass this on. Please. Checks can be made payable to me: Catherine Nangle/Carol Ofelia Larrosa. Write "Carol’s Education" in the memo. My address is as follows:
Kitty Nangle
10432 Willowdale Drive
St. Louis, MO 63146
Thank you all for following my experiences over the last few years and thank you in advance for any donations. I love you all and wish you the best: health, happiness, and love. May God bless.
Jajotopata,
La kitty
Kitty Nangle
10432 Willowdale Drive
St. Louis, MO 63146
(314) 503-8223 cell
Send E-Mail to: kittynangle@yahoo.com
Copyright © 2004 Kitty Nangle. All Rights Reserved