Brian's Final Thoughts

As Walter mentioned in the previous newsletter, I will be returning to University to study for my Master’s in Business Administration. I cannot adequately express in words how excited I am for this opportunity. After all, my primary responsibility will be…to learn!

As excited as I am, this opportunity to learn has new meaning for me because in many parts of this world it does not exist. There is not always a school or an opportunity for a degree that offers a chance to get ahead. There is not a government or a bank that loans people money to “study.” The truth is that while I am in school, most people in this world will labor to support themselves and their families. This fact alone builds an appreciation unlike anything I have felt before.

I imagine the appreciation that our BECA students feel for their opportunity to learn goes far beyond anything that I am feeling right now. In Nicaragua, to graduate from high school and then receive a scholarship is an extraordinary accomplishment. It is revered in the community. It is a source of pride that forever remains.

Knowing this, I thank those of you who have supported and continue to support BECA. While your support may appear in the form of money, it surfaces in the form of hope, opportunity, and possibility for someone on the receiving end.

For my final request as Executive Director and my first request as Board Member, I ask you never to underestimate the impact of your actions or your ability to make a difference. Because of you, a student who has grown up in one of the poorest corners of this world has been given an opportunity. You have made that difference.

It has been the highlight of my short professional career to work for BECA and Walter Hunchak, a founder with unmatchable integrity, character, and genuine purpose. Most importantly, it has been fulfilling to give students in Nicaragua the opportunity to study for a career.

Best Wishes,

Brian

The BECA Bank Account Saga

If you heard a big scream on the morning of Wednesday, July 1st, it was me. Nope, I wasn't celebrating Canada's 142nd birthday.

After visits to four Nicaraguan banks -- and mucho pleading and cajoling and waiting outside bankers' offices -- BECA finally got its very own authentic Nicaraguan bank account.

Cost to BECA: a year, five BECA t-shirts and $360 (lawyer).

Aside: The t-shirts worked the best. I wish I had thought of that a long time ago.

Ho Hum

Another boring week here in Masaya, Nicaragua.

Let's review some headlines:

1. A big fire guts half a city block.

2. Mayor of Nicaraguan capital city kills himself.

3. Military coup (according to some) staged in neighboring country (Honduras).

Meanwhile, back in Canada, a horse died.

BECA's First Employee

Antonio Rodriguez is the new Coordinator for BECA here in Nicaragua.

He worked for one of our partner schools for a while and the fellow impressed me.

We'll see how it goes. I'm a little anxious about the whole thing, but ultimately BECA belongs in the hands of Nicaraguans, doesn't it?

You can read a little bio here.

Another Sponsor Visit

Seneyda meet Aggie. Aggie meet Seneyda.



Aggie is the sponsor; Seneyda, the student.

Aggie was born in Nicaragua but now calls California her home. Annually, she comes to Nicaragua to visit family and friends, and early this year decided to sponsor after reading an article about BECA in La Prensa (Nicaragua daily newspaper).

Aggie wanted to make sure that BECA was real.

I'm really hoping that Aggie will go home and spread the word a bit because I think the BECA program is a nice fit for Nicaraguan expatriates who want to give back a little bit to their homeland.

Thanks a lot for making time for Seneyda, Aggie. I know you made her day.

BECA Party

BECA had a party on the weekend.

I'm really not crazy about putting on parties like this, but I thought it would be a worthwhile "investment" for several reasons.

First, it was an opportunity for the students from different classes to meet each other.

Second, 50 students were graduating from Course One. Chance to give them their certificates.

Third, and most important, we could give executive director Brian Alvo a nice goodbye after 17 months of dedication.

In the end, about 130 students showed up (out of 210) as well as representatives from four schools. Unfortunately, the guest of honor came very late due to some travel screw-ups.

It doesn't matter. Things went pretty well.

You can see more pictures here.

Tribute Video to Brian Alvo

If a picture is worth a thousand words, a video must be worth a million . . .

However, even a million wouldn't be enough to say thanks to the "Gringo" for everything he has done for BECA.

Brian_Se_Va