Student's Life

INSIGHTS

Student's Life First Edition

Have a look at students' life and their perspectives at university.

The best way to predict the future is to invent it.

Rafael Vera Magazine Director & Editor

Adrian Zambrano Design & Photography

AUTHORS & CONTACTS Rafael Vera jrafl_4@hotmail.com Adrian Zambrano adrinzambrano94@gmail.com Michel Medina Shir_mima06@hotmail Lidia Lastra nicole-057@hotmail.com Karla García karlagarcia36@hotmail.com Noemi Solórzano noemisolorzano1991@gmail.com Danny Rivas rivasdanny40@gmail.com Mario Cornejomario.cornejo@outlook.es Belén Loor – mabelore1099@hotmail.com Josselyn Moreira jamp-11@hotmail.com Karen Peñarrieta karenpenarrieta@gmail.com Jorge Basurto jorgezambrano_69@hotmail.com Liceth Muñoz

MARCH 2019 | VOL. I

INSIGHTS

Student's Life

FOREWORD During my years at teaching English as a foreign language, I have realized that learning about our students’ life definitely helps us understand them better. It gives you the light to steer your teaching methods into a more successful class as we start appreciating better every single moment on the role of guides, so it might also bring about the analogy that teachers are like a torch in learners’ path to knowledge. However, education today is being steadily supported by technology – which is in theory, a powerful tool for language learners to make their learning process easier, but sometimes it becomes a hard struggle for instructors to hold their attention. In fact, the technological revolution itself embodies an aggressive change that demands teachers to be very more creative and look for different and innovative ways to convey the knowledge to students and achieve the class goals.

In this regard, students play a fundamental role in this rapid change. This new generation seems to have understood the importance of learning a second language that allows them to keep globally connected. Moreover, giving a short gaze at the wonderful and brilliant mind they have, it becomes a worthy space for the teachers to learn a bit more every day.

This edition brings together the students’ past life, their life now and their aspiration for the future. I delightedly invite you all readers to explore the genuine nature of a set of challenging students on their way to succeed their dreams.

A TOEFL certified English Teacher at the ESPAM MFL Language Center.

Graduated as a Tourism Manager in 2015, and Master in Tourism at the ESPAM MFL in 2019. 8-year experience as an EFL teacher, 4 of them at university level. Author of the book “La Soledad Después del Amor”.

Born in Chone on December 4, 1989.

Primary studies at Dr. Aníbal González Álava and Secondary at Simón Bolívar High School.

RAFAEL VERA Photo: Adrian Zambrano

Magazine Director & Editor

Calceta- Manabí 29 years old

MARCH 2019 | VOL. I

INSIGHTS

My Story

Student's Life

I am José Adrian Zambrano Zambrano, I like to be called Adrian. I was born in Chone in 1994. My family moved to El Carmen when I was 4, so from the bottom of my heart I feel myself another Carmense. I went to 3 de Julio School when I was 8, I was the oldest in my class because the other children were 5 or 6 years old. I learned lots of new things as I would teach people who did not believe in me – because of my physical figure - that in this life we all humans set our own limits.

I went to El Carmen High School, I got through difficult and pleasant moments at the time. I was a teenager, so I loved making new friends and wanted to do many things. I brightly remember the first time my dad bought me a phone, I enjoyed it a lot because it had a camera and could take a lot of photos, which was sometimes my hobby like a young guy who is passionate about something. I also went out a lot with friends, I used to walk around my town. I still go out with friends to parties because I love dancing. Back in my childhood memories, I remember things I used to love to do but I would thought in my mind “ it is not right for my body”, for example, doing sports, because I knew that my bones were fragile and I might injure myself. This strong desire suddenly started to take over me and it was in a cool afternoon that I decided to play basketball with my classmates but I broke my leg - unfortunately! I just wanted to give up that day, I was so disappointed that I made the decision of dropping out of school, but my friends, family, classmates and especially my teacher Sofia Zambrano who were always there supporting me, made me go back. They did not leave me alone, so I went back to school very motivated and ready to move on, I knew I would not make the same mistake again. Now, I still keep good memories of this time.

I like doing many things, particularly helping others. I love being social, teaching what I know. I am sure about what I want to study and do in life. I am a university student in business administration at the ESPAM MFL, here I spend time without my family that I love with all my heart, but I know it is a good sacrifice. I would like to create more employments and opportunities in my town, therefore, it is my main motivation to become a great successful entrepreneur and help others. I have not left aside the photography and videos, it's what I love doing, I take my camera with me everywhere, so, I am a very passionate photographer and designer.

ADRIAN ZAMBRANO

Chone- Manabí 24 years old

Photographer & Designer

MARCH 2019 | VOL. I

INSIGHTS

Student's Life MICHEL MEDINA

Chone -Manabí 19 years old

Photo: Adrian Zambrano

I was born in Chone - Manabí on December 8, 1999. I went to Simon Bolívar school in the city of Calceta, here I lived a lot of good things which built sweet memories I still keep with me. Six years later I graduated at the Monserrate Álava de González High School. My high school life was very funny, I spent amazing moments whit my classmates whom I will never forget. The most beautiful memory I have was the celebration of our graduation, after the ceremony, we went to a venue, so we danced and sang a lot together, we definitely had a wonderful day. At the age of 17 I started university at the ESPAM MFL. Now I am an undergraduate student in Public Administration. I'm going through my second university year.

I am a very charismatic person, so I enjoy making new friends and spending time with them. I love singing and dancing, actually, I belong to a dancing group called Explosión Juvenil. Last year we got into a in a dancing competition where we won the first place. I am also very committed to my studies, so responsibility is one of the main values in my life. I love animals, specially dogs, actually I have one, his name is Muñeco, he is three years old and I love him so much – well, he is my best friend.

After university, I would like to have a great job in administration which also allows me to continue doing what I am passionate about – singing and dancing.

I would like to work in a governmental organization and contribute to my country development while I provide an excellent service to people. Another of my main dreams in life is to travel to other countries such as The USA or maybe Spain and be able to meet new customs and learn about their culture. I think, life is about enjoying each day and learning a bit of everything.

MARCH 2019 | VOL. I

INSIGHTS

Student's Life

LIDIA LASTRA

Esmeraldas – Esmeraldas 21 years old

Photo: Adrian Zambrano

I was born on April 7, 1997. I have a big family - six sisters and four brothers. I have a twin sister. I come from a small town called ChumundĂŠ in Esmeraldas where I lived until I was 17, there I did my elementary and high school. What I mostly remember about that time as a student was that I had to walk for 30 minutes to get to school, it was the saddest thing for me.

In 2015, I started university in the major of Public Administration at the ESPAM MFL in Calceta.

It was difficult at first because I was used to living with my parents but here, I had to live alone.

With the passage of time it became normal because I started socializing with other people who quickly became a great support for me. In my free time I like being with my friends because I feel I share with the people I love and it is the best thing for me.

My main purpose is to graduate from college, then have a job according to my professional profile, work for a short time and then start my own business such as a women's clothing store.

I consider myself a simple person, I love to help others, that comforts my soul. That is why I would like to work for a humanitarian organization.

"YOU are not permanent but you will live through the MEMORIES, so spend your days doing GOOD things".

MARCH 2019 | VOL. I

INSIGHTS

Student's Life

KARLA GARCÍA

Chone– Manabí 18 years old

Photo: Adrian Zambrano

I was born in Chone on March 30, 2000 but I live in Calceta and I love my canton -Bolívar. My zodiac sign is Aries. We are three children in my family - a brother and two sisters. The eldest child is my brother, his name is Ariel and the youngest is Melissa – my sister, I love them so much as I love my parents. I went to Simón Bolívar School for my primary studies, I miss both the moments lived there and my classmates, I will keep those memories in my heart forever. In 2017, I graduated at the Monserrate Álava de González High School, at that time in my life, I went through a lot of different lifelong learnings and I deeply thank my teachers for always being there for me when I needed them. I also bear my gratitude to my classmates for the sense of companionship and sincere friendship, I hope they all are achieving their dreams. Later, at age 17, I started my university studies in Public Administration at the ESPAM MFL, now I am doing my third semester and I feel very happy for having made the right decision in the major I chose. I know that I will contribute with my knowledge for the welfare of people.

I define myself as a sincere, cheerful, responsible and positive person. I like noble hearts, the genuine smiles, the dreamers, the free souls, the imaginative ones, the people who appreciate simple things and go from laugh to tears. I love reading fantasy books because it takes me into worlds full of adventures. I also like those that tell stories about real life. I’m fascinated about astrology, art, poetry. I love coffee, winter, movies and science fiction series. In my free time I search on the internet for curiosities and mysteries without solving. My favorite type of music is pop and my favorite band is Il Divo, their music stands out for me because of its peculiar mix between opera and pop and the way how they manage to convey the feeling in every song. That is absolutely beautiful.

My main dream is to progress in the profession I chose, acquire as much amount of knowledge as possible, excel as a professional and contribute to the development of my country and who knows! Someday, I will travel to Monte Carlo with my family. In the end, I will take advantage of all the opportunities that life provides me and will always stay on the path of good.

MARCH 2019 | VOL. I

INSIGHTS

Student's Life NOEMI SOLÓRZANO

Chone- Manabí 27 years old

Photo: Adrian Zambrano Photo: Adrian Zambrano

I was born in Chone on December 17, 1991. I am the eldest of 5 children. I carried out my first studies in the Juana de Ibarborou School. It was one of my best time in life. I moved to Calceta, for my secondary studies, here I graduated at Father Jorge Hugalde Paladines High School. The most beautiful and unforgettable memory I have of this time was the trip before our graduation because we celebrated it during the trip. Everything was joy and happiness that we did not sleep.

In 2014, I went to university and chose Computer Science as my major in which I am doing the ninth semester at the moment, I just find it very interesting.

I am a very cheerful and friendly person. I enjoy dancing and travelling in my free time which is very limited because I work and study. I love chocolate!

After college, I would like to get a great job in the area of technology and do a master's degree in web development and business administration. Another dream for me is to start a business in order to increase employment where I live.

MARCH 2019 | VOL. I

INSIGHTS

Student's Life DANNY RIVAS

Portoviejo -Manabí 19 years old

Photo: Adrian Zambrano

I was born in Portoviejo on March 17, 1997 but I feel Calceta where I grew up, my hometown. My family is made up of 5 people I have 2 sisters. I am the eldest child, so I must be an example for my two siblings to follow. My first learning experience was in Amado Quiroz Kindergarten, then I went to José de San Martín School where I finished my primary studies. After that, I went to 13 de October High School and graduated in 2014. Frankly, I feel so proud of this institution and call myself an Octubrino from Calceta la sin par. Later the same year, I started my university studies at the ESPAM MFL and I majored for Tourism Management which I like a lot because of the linking to people and nature.

My life today may be translated as the passion for tourism. I really enjoy the time of providing service and giving a gentle treatment to people, I like travelling a lot to see new places, learn about new cultures. My favorite sport is soccer, I used to play it every day but now I am only able to do it just once or twice a week because of my busy life. I love my family and I am very responsible about my duties, I am very determined on everything I propose, I am also a very social person, I like meeting new people and making new friends. At present, I am going through the eighth semester of my career. That gives me a lot of happiness in that I find all the effort is being rewarded, and I thank my family for the great support given to me throughout this time. I come from a humble family and they have worked hard to help me with my studies, so I do everything for them.

Nearly in the future, I see myself running my own tourism company. I would like to own a hotel to provide a good service to visitors to my city.

MARCH 2019 | VOL. I

INSIGHTS

Student's Life MARIO CORNEJO

San Isidro-ManabĂ­ 19 years old

Photo: Adrian Zambrano

I was born in San Isidro on November 29, 1999, my father is Mario Cornejo and my mother Yaqueline Vega, I am the eldest son, I went to three different schools for my primary studies, I did my first three years in Gloria de Fallu School, for the next two years I went to Velazco BenalcĂĄzar School and I finished this schooling stage of my life in Mariano Andrade School. My greatest achievement was to win the recognition as the best student of my year which gave the privilege to bear the National Flag at the ceremony of graduation. Later, I went to Unidad Educativa Fiscal San Isidro, where the school days were the best for me because I made a lot of friends, I succeeded as in academic as in sports. I feel very proud of that student time, for me it is and will be a unique experience. After I graduated from high school, I applied to some universities to do my undergraduate studies in which I applied to the ESPAM MFL. My life has always been a bit difficult because I am a person of low economic resources that is why I study hard to achieve my goals.

I am a very friendly and kind person with everyone else, I do not like problems. I am very responsible and punctual, what I love the most in this life is God and my loved ones, I am passionate about music, I love everything related to artistic life. In my free time, I like to watch music videos on YouTube, so in fact, that is what I like the most. I also like to visit different tourist places on vacation and friends or family in my free days. That's what I am.

After finishing my undergraduate studies, I would like to get a degree in Financial Counseling and get a good job as a financial adviser or maybe start my own finance consulting company. I would also like to pursue an artistic career, I would like to be a songwriter and producer.

Another goal in my life is to set out a company where I can make the dreams of many Ecuadorian artistic talents come true.

MARCH 2019 | VOL. I

INSIGHTS

Student's Life BELÉN LOOR

Calceta -Manabí 19 years old

Photo: Adrian Zambrano

I was born in Calceta on April 10, 1999. I am the youngest of 3 children. I did my primary studies in Simón Bolívar School. I keep my best memories of it. I went to Monserrate Álava de González High School for my secondary studies; they were years of great fun too! Two years ago, I became a university student. I am currently going through the third semester in Public Administration at the ESPAM MFL. I am a happy, fun and very friendly person because I think that friendship is one of the most important values human beings have. I love listening to people, learning about what they do and dream. I am very responsible about everything I am assigned. I also like traveling, reading and sharing time with my family and friends.

I hate injustice, lack of equity between people of high command and those with less power whether at work, with children; or with the environment -everything that has to do with lack of ethics, harmony and peace between humans. That is why my main goal in life is to become a professional with ethical values. I also aspire to study criminal law and integrate it with my knowledge in public administration since the administration of justice is also part of the public administration -often called public law- in order to respond to the challenges demanded by a society in a constant change. In the end, I would like to have my own staff of lawyers and provide a quality service that encourages equality.

MARCH 2019 | VOL. I

INSIGHTS

Student's Life JOSSELYN MOREIRA

Guayaquil-Guayas 19 years old

Photo: Adrian Zambrano

I was born in Guayaquil on June 16, 1998, but I live in Calceta as far as I remember. We are 5 children and I am the youngest -The baby of the family! My mom is a single mother and she knew how to raise us very well in spite of the difficulties. For my primary studies, I went to Amado Quiroz Kindergarten, then to Vesta Cevallos Intriago School. Later, I went to "13 de Octubre" High School; I am currently studying Public Administration at the ESPAM MFL because I have always liked accounting and administration.

At the age of 20, I had the greatest treasure of my life, whom I love the most, his name is Santiago –my boy- he is 7 months old and he is a so charming baby. Maybe for some people it is a very early age to be a mother, they might think I am not ready, but I am sure, he came to show me that the right time to do it is when I am with him as I feel really strong and no matter how many problems we may have had, we have already overcome them together. He is my greatest inspiration to achieve my dreams and make his come true as he grows up. it is true that motherhood is difficult, but the love a mother can feel for her son is beautiful.

I am a very confident person, strong and weak at the same time. I forgive even the biggest mistakes because I believe in second chances. "I am just as weak and as strong as a flower in the middle of a field in ruins". I tend to be very happy sometimes, maybe at the beginning I look very serious and shy with people I do not know, but I am a sweet bread because in the end "we are the impression we leave in the hearts of people". I love travelling, I feel free when I do it. I do not have a favorite dish, but my favorite drink is watermelon juice. I love watermelon! I really enjoy watching a sunset on the beach or a rainbow in the rain and sunshine.

Someday, I would like to find a good job in administration, and then build a house to live peacefully with my baby.

MARCH 2019 | VOL. I

INSIGHTS

Student's Life KAREN PEÑARRIETA

Junín -Manabí 20 years old

Photo: Adrian Zambrano

I was born in Bolívar on December 12, 1997, but I live in Junín. I have three brothers, I am the third of four children. I did my primary studies in Quito School. For my secondary studies I went to Wenceslao Rijavec High School, I loved my school because I lived beautiful moments with my classmates, I miss them a lot.

At the age of 17, I started studying at the ESPAM MFL. Now I am doing the third semester in Environmental Engineering. I love my career because we are the saviors and protectors of the world. I love animals and I have a sweet rabbit. Her name is Canelita, she's been with me for a year and a half.

I am a cheerful, adventurous and fun girl. I easily make friends. I love challenges, travelling and exploring new places. My favorite place is the beach. I love watching the sunset there. My best friend and my adventure partner is my boyfriend, his name is David.

As a professional, I will be focused on contributing and helping to protect our planet, to raise awareness and sensitivity in people about our environment.

"Environmental engineers are the doctors of Mother Earth".

MARCH 2019 | VOL. I

INSIGHTS

Student's Life JORGE BASURTO

Chone -Manabí 21 years old

Photo: Adrian Zambrano

I I was born in Chone but I live in Tosagua, I am the youngest of my family. I did my primary studies in Tosagua in Santa Luisa de Marillac School, it was very special because I met my first friends there. I also had a computer teacher whose classes caught my attention a lot. My first computer was a desktop one, it was really big but I loved it. When it did not work my mom used to call an expert to have it fixed and I would always stay with him while he would fix it. I got into computers this way really! I went to Wenceslao Rijavec High School. Here I chose subjects related to computers and learnt that it was not just the computers but programming which was very difficult for me at first. After long hours of research and study I became one of the best in the class. Later, it drove me to win the first place as the student of my year. I got more interested in computers, so I majored for the Computer Science at the ESPAM MFL. I am a friendly person, I have lots of friends. I go out a lot with them; we go to parties, clubs and ice-cream shops. Another important thing to tell is a very nice tradition in our family, we travel to different places every year- I love it! Apart from that, I enjoy teaching about computers. One of the best memories I have was to be a computer teacher for a month.

Something I feel so proud of is to have won the first place in the XI Technology and Innovation Fair at my university. It is great for me to be able to create systems or a better software for any company or institution.

After getting my degree as a computer engineer, I would like to continue studying in order to obtain a master's degree in web programming in another country. Another dream for me is to work in any public or private company but I would like to work as a programmer because it is what I love and eventually set out my own Technology Company on software design for any type of person or company. Something I bear in mind is that everything is achieved with effort and that a stumble is not a fall.

MARCH 2019 | VOL. I

INSIGHTS

Student's Life LICETH MUÑOZ

Calceta -Manabí 20 years old

Photo: Adrian Zambrano

I was born in Calceta on January 4, 1998. My hometown is Membrillo, a rural town in the canton of Bolívar. At the age of 4, my family moved to Quinindé for work, there, we lived for seven years. I did my primary studies in Costa Rica School. After finishing my primary studies, my family and I went back to Membrillo where I studied until the fourth year in Unidad Educativa Membrillo High School. Then I went to Valle Hermoso High School for the last two years because my family moved to Santo Domingo.

At 17 years of age I moved back to Calceta for my university studies and started my major in Tourism at the ESPAM MFL, I am in the seventh semester now. When I started university , the first few months became very difficult because I had never been away from my family. Even, I thought about dropping out of it, then I got used to living here as I started having friends whom I consider my second family today.

I define myself as a cheerful, responsible, and sensible person but I tend to be very conservative when I have problems. I do not like being lied to. I like to spend time with my family, meet up with friends, and play football. I do not play it often because I do not have time due to my English, computer and French courses. I also like cooking, and getting to know the culture and customs of other people. That is why I go on most of the trips the tourism career organizes.

My aspirations for the future are to graduate as a tourism engineer and work in a company according to my professional profile and have my own typical manabitian food restaurant in Santo Domingo.

INSIGHTS

NOITIDE

2019

Student's Life