Story of Courage and Transformation

A few days ago, I (Beverlyn) was reflecting on how much the Olas moms have learned through the years and how their journey has transformed them into the strong and powerful women we all know and love today. 

I took a moment to interview Monica, one of the Olas Moms.  Before being part of Project Olas, she dedicated her time to her family and household responsibilities. She did not found a job which allowed her to earn more income and support her children. This situation made her feel sad and frustrated because she had the desire to work. Instead, because she is a kind person, she decided to volunteer in an organization called ¨Luz Para El Futuro¨.

She never imagined one day she would be sitting in front of a computer, teaching Spanish to people in other countries. However, after meeting Rebeca Cox during her participation at  ¨Luz para el Futuro¨ she learned about Project Olas.

I had a pleasant time with Monica and I asked her a few questions.

Beverlyn: What were your first days at Project Olas like?

Mónica: They were days filled with a lot of nerves. I did not know the project very well, and I also did not know how to use many of the technological tools I needed. At first, I was motivated, but I also felt discouraged because I did not know how to use them.

Beverlyn: What was one of your biggest challenges?

Mónica: Technology and talking to students through video calls. I did not know how to use Zoom or many of WhatsApp's features. There was even a moment when I thought about leaving because I felt that this was not for me.

But I decided to keep trying. With the help of my fellow coach and Olas Moms, the training sessions, and the team support, I gradually learned. The desire to financially support my family was a strong motivation to keep going.

Beverlyn: How have you changed since you started?

Mónica: I have more confidence in myself. Before, I was afraid to have Zoom meetings or send emails. Now I open my computer, use my platforms, and hold my meetings with confidence.

Today, I also support my children and I can contribute financially to my household—something that I was not able to do before. For me, one of my greatest lessons has been discovering that I´m capable of doing so much more than I ever imagined.

No matter what age we are, whatever we set up in our minds, we can achieve. Today, I know how to use Zoom, emails and WhatsApp for my sessions. I continue to face new technological challenges, but now I know that learning something new takes time and I will never give up.

Beverlyn: How do you organize your day?

Mónica: I organize my day using the Calendly App for my sessions. To start in the morning I take my son to school, then I do some household chores, and then I begin my sessions. I also make time to prepare lunch, take care of my family, and fulfill my responsibilities in my home.

For me, Project Olas has become much more than a job opportunity: It is a space where I can continue learning. Through Project Olas, I found confidence and community. It feels like a family.

Our conversation ended on that high note. Monica’s story reminds me that starting something new can be frightening at first, but it can also open doors that we never imagined. In Mónica's case she began thinking that technology was not for her and today, she navigates tools that once were foreign, works from home, teaches Spanish, and helps support her family.

Her journey reminds me that it is never too late to learn, grow, and discover what all we are capable of.