11/21/2025
"Over the past six months, I have experienced a period of significant academic and personal growth. During the summer, I devoted all my time to studying Physics, one of the subjects that has challenged me the most. It was a process that required constant discipline, and although it is not my strongest area, I managed to finish with a final grade of 85. At the same time, I began an extracurricular German course. Even though I already had some knowledge of the language, I decided to start from scratch, since it is my favorite language and I wanted to improve it. I successfully completed the first level with a grade of 98, which filled me with joy.
Before the semester began, I had the opportunity to serve as an Aide-de-camp for the Orígenes de Excelencia program, an initiative organized by the Consulate of New York and the Ministry of Education. For one week, we accompanied young Dominicans living in New York as they visited important landmarks in the country, such as the Colonial Zone, the National Congress, the Dominican Municipal League, and the National Palace. It was a truly enriching experience. Not only because of the connection with the students, who despite living abroad have preserved their Dominican essence, but also because I was able to witness a live press conference held by the President of the Republic. Being so close to him, as someone who comes from a small town, was a deeply inspiring moment. I felt as though I was seeing my own future up close, and it reminded me that with effort and faith, anything is possible.
After that wonderful experience, my university semester began, which has been one of the most demanding so far. The subjects are complex and the workload has been intense, but I am learning to stay focused and organized in order to keep doing my best, even during challenging times. In August I had the opportunity to be part of the logistics team in the area of security and mobility for the National Debate Championship organized by the Ministry of Education, a three-day event that brought together over 400 of the best debaters from across the country.
More recently, I was selected as Director of the World Tourism Organization at the International Model United Nations organized by the Ministry of Education, which will take place from December 1st to 5th in Santo Domingo an opportunity that truly excites me.
Thanks to God and the support of this sponsorship, I have also been able to visit my family several times over the past few months. I am deeply grateful for all the opportunities I have received and for the constant support that this program provides. These past months have reminded me that every challenge comes with a lesson, and that with determination, faith, and gratitude, goals can truly become reality."
Yours truly,
Shannel V.
A MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD
Dear Friends,
On behalf of the Board of Directors of Builders For Change, please join me in congratulating Shannel on her successful first semester of year two of university! Based on her amazing message, we can all clearly see that she is excelling and thriving with our support. Academically she is doing exceptionally well and she is also gaining some incredible life experiences that we’re very proud of. We know that Melissa would be very proud of her too!
Please continue to support our efforts and speak to your friends and family to encourage them to get involved. This work matters… and it is only possible through your support.
Sincerely,
Luke Bazely,
Chairperson
Builders For Change
www.buildersforchange.com
