Yeuri!

This boy has surprised me every time I’ve come back to DOVE. My first trip, I don’t think I heard one word from him. The second trip, I learned that he just needs time to get to know you before he opens up. Now, I can’t get him to stop talking! (in a good way) I’ve shared so many meaningful talks with Yeuri, about his family, his thoughts about the life he lives, what it means to be part of this club, and even future dreams. He’s very mature for his age and yet at the same time loves to play and is such a joker. And to top it all off, he’s one of the best in English class. He learns so quickly and is very keen on participating. Sometimes, he can get distracted easily, so he needs to be kept in place sometimes. But I have no doubt that he will take good care and responsibility for his family in the future. He’s a great basketball player and is Viviana’s older brother.

Leori!

Older brother to Ricardo and Leonardo, and eldest cousin of the Ventura clan, you can tell that Leori is a leader in his household. On a fieldtrip with the boys, he always had a watchful eye on his younger cousins. He works whatever odd jobs he can find to help his family (painting, moving, baking). He’s also quite the ladies’ man, once telling me that he was juggling five novias (girlfriends). He is so friendly and sociable, and oh so intelligent. But I have a feeling that because he’s so bright, he tends to get bored of some of the club classes. I’ve talked to him about the importance of attending and how knowledge is the key to a better future. His English speaking skills are also impressive and he would really benefit from more practice and studying.

Jose Carlos!

Jose Carlos, brother of Antony, is probably the brightest boy at DOVE. His attendance at school and club is great and he’s so well behaved. He’s very quiet and will rarely be the conversation starter, but what a change on the basketball field where his skills gain him respect and friends. He really wants to learn English, and is already capable of translating full paragraphs from Spanish to English or English to Spanish. Even his conversational skills have improved so much since I first met him; he’s able to understand simple English phrases and respond in full sentences. Not to mention he’s also a talented drawer and, though he won’t admit it, poet (I’ve see his secret notebook). When he grows up, he wants to be a chef.

Anoluis!

When I first met Anoluis last year, I thought he was one of the quietest boys in the club. Rarely smiled except a shy grin. But after 4 visits, wow have I been proven wrong. Though well behaved when in class with teachers, at his home, the park, or the basketball court, he’s as hyper as kids get! Chasing after you to play, screaming for your attention, and laughing hysterically at everything. I love his enthusiasm and energy so much. He’s also very bright, remembering almost all the English words you teach him (if you can get him to pay attention and listen to you, hahaha). His sister is Dalgeyri .