The Year of Service—also known as the Family Year—is a very special stage experienced by the young men and young women of our residential care program before beginning their higher education. It is a year dedicated to serving, accompanying, and supporting in different areas of the home. This tradition is born from the vision of Father William Wasson, who believed that the older ones should give back to the younger ones, as a form of love and commitment toward their NPH family.
I arrived at Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (NPH) El Salvador when I was very small; I was 6 years old, and although at first everything was new and a little unfamiliar to me, over time it became a true home. Arriving here meant having a new opportunity, a place where I felt safe, accompanied, and surrounded by people who, up to now, have supported me in every step of my life.
My childhood at NPH was very beautiful; I grew up surrounded by friends who became brothers and sisters, and by uncles and aunts who always cared about me. I learned to share, to respect, and to value what I have. Although there were difficult moments, I always felt the affection and guidance of those around me.
The emotional and academic support that I received was also fundamental. Thanks to the uncles and aunts, I learned to believe in myself, to strive for my goals, and to remain firm even when things are not easy.
The values that have marked me most at NPH are responsibility, service, respect, and love. Here I learned that serving others with love and humility is a way of thanking for what one has received; likewise, these are key values that guide my decisions.
For me, the Year of Service is a way of thanking for everything that NPH has given me since I was very small. It is my way of giving back a little of all the love, support, and opportunities that I have received. It is a year of growth, learning, and commitment to my family.
I have worked in 5 areas. In general, my day-to-day in each one consists of supporting the activities, accompanying the children, helping them, and being attentive to what they need. Each day is different, but I always try to give the best of myself. For example, in the kitchen I learned how different salads are made and how food is prepared for everyone. At the school, I discovered the importance of keeping it clean, orderly, and cared for for the students.
This year I have acquired more patience and responsibility. All of this has made me value teamwork more and understand the importance of serving with love. It has helped me mature and see life from a more grateful perspective; likewise, I think these are skills that would help me in a job, whether in cleaning, cooking, caring for children, or attending to people.
The Year of Service is a very great opportunity, which helps us prepare to form our own future and be good people. It makes me feel happy and proud to see the children smile or learn something new thanks to my support. It is nice to know that I can be an example for them, just as others were for me.
Although one of the greatest challenges has been adapting to daily responsibilities and maintaining constant motivation, I have achieved it thanks to my effort, patience, and remembering the reason why I am here. In addition to having the support of the aunts, uncles, companions, and other collaborators who are always willing to listen.
At the university, I would like to study the Languages degree in order to be able to converse with people from other countries and work at that. My dreams are to have my own house, car, and be very independent, because I want to continue helping others and contribute in a positive way to society, just as NPH has done with me. Likewise, I would very much like to help animals on the street, and give them shelter and food.
For this, I prepare myself with enthusiasm and commitment. I am focused on strengthening my study habits, organizing my time, and maintaining a positive mindset. I also rely a lot on the advice of those who already went through this stage.
If I could describe my experience at NPH in one word, it would be “gratitude,” because everything that I am today I owe to this great family. Every experience, every lesson, and every person I have met here have helped me grow. And what I like most about being part of NPH is the sense of unity and love that is lived here. We are not just companions; we are a family that supports, understands, and loves one another at all times.
At NPH El Salvador we firmly believe that service and gratitude transform lives. Stories like Scarlet’s* remind us that, when love, values, and opportunities are sown, young people committed to building a better future for themselves, their families, and their community are reaped. *Name modified for privacy reasons.
