About

Marilyn is sweet, outgoing, and enthusiastic. She enjoys singing and dancing, and dreams of becoming an artist. She chose computer science as her career so that she can give workshops to children and youth in her district on basic science and computer knowledge, so that they can gain an "understanding of problems and propose solutions that are creative and efficient." Marilyn's family has been integral to providing her with support to attend high school and post-secondary school. Although they face difficult financial circumstances, they have been very generous to Mosqoy volunteers. When Mosqoy representatives recently visited her family in Ollantaytambo, they were provided with a home-cooked meal. Marilyn was raised in a campesino (rural indigenous) Quechua family on a farm outside Ollantaytambo, with two other siblings. Her family owns a farm alongside the Urubamba River and sells corn at the local market. Unfortunately, this means her family's farm has been impacted detrimentally by flooding from the river this year. Marilyn was one of the strongest graduates of her high school class from "Collegio Ollantay," and was the first of her family to graduate high school. Hey family has been very supportive of her education and is very proud of her decision to go to school. Marilyn's mother was unable to attend high school, and although she has found it challenging to send Marilyn to Cusco to attend classes, she is incredibly proud and excited about the opportunity. In order to attend post-secondary school, many students from rural highland communities in Peru must move to the city for the first time. In order to maintain stability and a sense of community, Mosqoy provides students with a home to stay in together in Cusco called "Casa Mosqoy." Marilyn has just moved into "Casa Mosqoy," and is settling in well to her life in Cusco. She has made a new family with her peers and is very excited about her upcoming classes.