I arrived at Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (NPH) El Salvador when I was 11 years old, along with my sister, who was two years younger than me. I remember that they gave us the best care, and what impacted me most at that moment was feeling that, for the first time in a long time, I was not alone. When I arrived at the home, I was filled with many emotions: sadness, fear, confusion…But also a silent hope. Although everything was new at first and it was difficult for me to adapt, what truly made a difference was the warmth with which they welcomed me. I particularly remember a tía taking my hand, smiling at me, and saying, “You are not alone here anymore.” I will never forget that phrase, because at that moment I felt relief and hope.
During my childhood at home, there were many moments that left a profound mark on me, both good and difficult. I believe NPH helped me develop my character and outlook on life: to be a disciplined person, to make decisions, and to maintain self-confidence.
When I think of a figure within the home who positively influenced my life growing up, I can mention one of the directors of the Girls’ Home, who helped me foster values and see how much I had ahead of me.
Studying and Growing: Balancing Dreams and Duties
The process of studying and preparing for my college degree while growing up at home was a path filled with challenges, but also with much learning and gratitude. Balancing household responsibilities with my studies was not easy. There were times when I felt tired, pressured, or even doubtful I would be able to make it.
One of the biggest challenges I had to face was learning to open up to others. I had always been a very closed-off person; I struggled to trust, talk about my feelings, and connect with others. This stemmed in part from past wounds, from the fear of being rejected or misunderstood. When I entered college, that shy side was a major obstacle. I struggled to participate in classes, do group work, and ask for help. Sometimes I felt like I did not fit in. But over time, I understood that if I wanted to grow, I had to step out of my comfort zone. I began to work on my self-esteem, to listen more, to trust a little each day.
Today I have a degree in Nursing Technician, and what motivated me to choose it was my own story and the experiences I had at NPH. Growing up in a true home allowed me to see firsthand the importance of having people who support you, guide you, and believe in you. I always felt the desire to give back what I received, but also to help in a deeper and more professional way.
Over time, that desire grew stronger. I wanted to be that calming hug, that motivating word, that life-changing presence, just as others had been for me. It was not a one-day decision, but something that grew within me with each experience, with each girl I saw reflected in my own story. I felt I had something valuable to contribute: my testimony, my empathy, and my heartfelt commitment.
Returning Home: From NPH Child to Educator
That motivated me to return to NPH, serving as a caretaker (tía) of the Girls’ Home. That desire to give back, especially the deep gratitude I feel toward this family that saw me grow up. NPH did not just give me a place to live; it gave me love, education, stability, and the opportunity to dream of a different future. They taught me that my history does not define me and that I could build something better for myself.
For me, being a ‘‘tía’’ is about being a guide and an example. My role as the girls’ caregiver and educator at home is a combination of love and constant commitment. More than simply caring for them, my task is to accompany them in their growth, providing them with a safe environment filled with love, respect, and stability.
Every day is an opportunity to teach them by example, not only basic knowledge or daily habits, but also values such as empathy, respect, responsibility, honesty, teamwork, and love for one’s neighbor.
I approach my relationships with the girls with empathy and deep understanding. I know that many of them are going through very difficult times, and in a way, I can understand them because I have also experienced similar situations. This allows me to approach them with an open heart, without judgment, and with great patience.
I try to be a figure they can trust, someone who not only cares for them but also listens to them, respects them, and accompanies them through their emotional journey. Sometimes, a word of encouragement, a hug, or simply being present can make a huge difference. I strive to create an environment where they feel valued, safe, and free to express what they feel, knowing they are not alone.
There are many differences between my experience as a child in the home and now as an adult working here. As a child, I experienced everything through the lens of a wounded heart, seeking affection, protection, and stability. I remember the tías being important figures for me, even though I sometimes did not understand why certain decisions were made or why life was so difficult. Now, I am also more aware of how important it is to be present in a loving and constant way, because I myself experienced what it means to have someone look at you tenderly when you need it most. Being an adult here has allowed me to heal many parts of my story, transforming pain into service and the past into a tool to accompany others with empathy and strength.
Now that I work with the girls, I can say that I value the work of those who cared for me even more, and that inspires me to give my best.
Also, being a “Hermana Mayor” at NPH is an honor and a great responsibility. It is not just about being older or more experienced, but about being an example, a guide, and a support for those who come after me. It means demonstrating with actions the values we learned here. It is being there when a girl needs advice, a word of encouragement, or simply someone to listen to them. It is helping them believe in themselves, reminding them that they are not alone, and that together we form a family that cares for and supports one another.
Being a Hermana Mayor reminds me of how much I have grown and everything I have overcome. It inspires me to continue giving my best, not only as a worker, but as someone who once stood in the place of the children and today wants to be a light in their path.
When I look back and see everything I have experienced and achieved, I am filled with emotion. It has not been an easy road, but every step, every fall, and every effort has been worth it. I feel deeply grateful to life, to God, and to NPH for giving me a second chance and the tools to move forward.
What I would like to leave for the future at NPH is a mark of love, trust, and hope. I would like the girls to remember that there was always someone who believed in them, someone who valued them and stood by them during difficult times. I would like them to learn to love themselves, to fight for their dreams, and to know that their past does not define their future.
In the coming years, I see myself growing both personally and professionally. I would like to continue my education, perhaps studying something related to my career as a surgical instrument technician. My biggest dream is to work in a hospital or clinic, and for now, I am trying to take courses to strengthen my growth.
If I could change or improve anything in the lives of the children and young people growing up at NPH, I would like to do so based on my own experience. One of those things would be strengthening emotional support. Often, as children or adolescents, we carry deep wounds that we do not always know how to express, and this can affect our development. I would like all the children and young people at NPH to continue to have constant access to safe spaces where they can talk, heal, and be heard without fear or judgment.
*Name changed for privacy reasons.