Mariza lives in the village of Chicxulub Pueblo, Yucatån, Mexico with her mother, father and baby brother Ian. Her father don Alex is the sole support of their family although her mother doña Veronica is a dedicated volunteer leader in Proyecto Itzaes providing educational opportunities for the community. Mariza loves science and want to be a pediatrician. The Canto Ku family believes strongly in the value of education to escape poverty but the cost of transportation and school supplies like books, paper, and uniforms are beyond the means of her father's salary. Mariza works very hard in school and has excellent grades and she tutors other students at Proyecto Itzaes several times a week. She is committed to staying in school but needs help.