In this opportunity, Lenin Arriaza will share his success story and how Amún Shéa has shaped his personal and educational path.
During my conversation with Lenin, I was amazed by his journey. He describes himself as an introverted person who embraces challenges and loves to support others. He is someone who thrives on giving back, whether through social projects or by working with his community. In other words, an inspiring person.
He studied for 13 years at Amún Shéa School, from kindergarten to high school. The innovative academic approach was the reason why his parents decided to choose Amún Shéa School for him and his older sister. He said that it offered a different kind of learning that stood apart from traditional methods. Darling Arriaza, his sister, was a remarkable student as well. She even became president of the student body; she eventually left, but the strong foundations that Darling gained at Amún Shéa helped her excel in the traditional school system.
When I asked about something he learned at Amún Shéa that is still present now, he pointed to the unique pressure-driven approach of the school. He explained that the methodology pushed him to work independently and under pressure, which has helped him in his university path. He feels it was this training that made his transition to university smoother.
During the interview, I asked about one anecdote that he remembered during his time at Amún Shéa. Laughing, he shared this story with us: “Yes, I have one, and it’ll also serve as an anecdote and as an example. Do you remember the achievement fairs? Well, I find it funny now, but I was afraid of public speaking. I couldn’t stand up in front of an audience; I would run away and cry. Once, teachers and my family looked for me all over Tejera, and I went to hide in some flagstones near Las Margaritas restaurant, about two kilometers away. I hid because I didn’t like to talk in front of many people. But as time went on, I lost my fear, and now people have seen how my self-confidence has grown.”
He has given interviews at the national level, spoken at migration forums, and been featured in various projects related to environmentalism. He achieved the highest score in the AVANZO test (standardized national test) at the department level, and also ranked among the top 15 nationwide. He also remembers when Michelle contacted him to speak about his experiences in front of Amún Shéa Donors. He remembers how they were moved by his story and how some of them expressed their desire to help. Thanks to the support he received, he has been able to achieve much. Now, he is giving back to the community that helped him succeed.
Looking ahead, his dreams are big. He hopes to establish and expand a business in Morazán, and eventually grow it outside the department. Another of his dreams is to become a transformational leader in his community, to be a source of inspiration, and to leave a legacy.
He is deeply grateful for the role the school played in his life. The support, the knowledge, and the doors it opened have been instrumental in his success. He knows that Amún Shéa has transformed not only his life but the lives of many others in the community. That’s why he is committed to giving back, to ensure that Amún Shéa continues its vital work in northern El Salvador.
His story is a testament to how Amún Shéa has shaped students’ lives, and the seeds we’ve been watching grow since 2008 are now bearing fruit, as professionals with goals and objectives for the future. As PEOF, we are proud to see them succeed in their lives, and we are extremely grateful to everyone who has been part of this process. THANK YOU!
Author: Milagro Fuentes
It’s truly inspiring to see how Amun Shea benefits and helps change the lives of children, giving them the tools they need to make their future as bright as they can imagine.