Day in and day out, Namnyak is always smiling. The oldest in a large family, Namnyak has many responsibilities beyond her studies: taking care of her younger siblings, collecting firewood, fetching water, working on the farm, cooking for her family and washing clothes are just a few. Her parents are subsistence farmers; they grow maize and beans and keep a few animals to support their family. She has to walk several hours to and from school each day as she lives in one of the farthest villages. However, Namnyak never complains about all these responsibilities! She is a engaged student, kind friend to all, and a hard worker. She loves to study biology and dreams of becoming a nurse: "I love biology because it will help me become a nurse one day. If I study cells and viruses I will know what is making someone sick, and what causes diseases. I want to become a nurse so I can help my community to be healthy." With her work ethic and caring nature, we know Namnyak will be a natural for the job.

Nasriin is 14 years old, and beginning her first year at Abaarso School of Science and Technology in Somaliland. She is from Abaarso village, and owes her ability to attend Abaarso to the student tutors from the school who taught her for several years. As a result, she wants to be a teacher, so she can help people. She hopes to go to the United States to continue her education after Abaarso, so that she can do this. She likes to run because it's good exercise, and she enjoys spending her free time with her friends.

Having grown up with her siblings and cousins under one roof after the passing of her uncle, Sarah knows the importance of family and kindness. Sarah is confident and well-spoken, and she is always ready to lend a helping-hand to others. As a true helper and lover of Biology, Sarah hopes to continue to take care of others by becoming a nurse.

Quiet and curious, Paulina enjoys exploring her interests in geography and english class with a steadfast determination. As the oldest in her family, Paulina serves as a stellar example to her younger siblings. She can often be found studying with her friends, and she hopes to become a member of parliament and help build more durable homes in her community after graduation.

Husna is a bright and hardworking student, both academically and in sports. Husna is a member of the Tanzanian National Junior Girls' Basketball team, and has been known to say "Basketball is life." Husna was the first of her family to receive a secondary education, and she has made the most of this opportunity. Now, Husna spends her free time mentoring local primary students on the weekends in order to give back to her community.

Active and confident, Amina is a determined young woman who is very committed to her studies. In the classroom, she is a strong listener and a thoughtful student, crafting her answers and defending her points well. Smiley and curious, she asks questions frequently and is a leader amongst her peers. Amina lives with her step-mother and her father, who is a driver for Orkeeswa school.

A leader by nature, Anshu is an intelligent girl who is constantly trying to do well in academics. She is an active member of both her class and her house (Vallabhi), in both cultural and sports competitions she participates with enthusiasm and commitment.

Fabiana is from Patakancha, a rural community above Ollantaytambo, Peru, where she is currently a youth leader in her community church. Fabiana graduated high-school a couple of years ago and has been trying to save up to continue her studies, but until Mosqoy’s scholarship opportunity came along, she didn’t have the means to continue her education. Fabiana will be pursuing her dream of becoming a leader in her community - a new, grassroots community-based tourism hub in the Sacred Valley - by studying Hotel Administration at a post-secondary trade institute in Cusco. She will also study English as a second language, be part of a holistic community leadership curriculum at Casa Mosqoy, and will continue to learn about her beautiful Quechua textile tradition that is a mainstay of her hometown.