Magdalena Regina Puente Laynez grew up as the oldest of nine children in Chajul, Guatemala. Regina joined Limitless Horizons Ixilâs Youth Development Program in 2009, and thanks to the scholarship she received, she was able to complete high school and go on to pursue a bachelorâs degree in clinical psychology. âWithout Limitless Horizons Ixil, my parents couldnât have afforded to send all their kids to school.â With our support, Regina became the first of her sisters to attend college, and today she is the only one in her family with a professional career.
Her love for children led Regina to study clinical psychology and over the years she worked in various roles in Chajul, including a womenâs group where she provided psychological support to women and children. However, âIâve always wanted to work at Limitless Horizons Ixil,â Regina shares. âMentorship is a perfect match with clinical psychology. Itâs something I wish I had as a student.â
Reflecting on her own experience as a scholarship recipient, she recalls how back in very early years with the organization, students had to motivate themselves without the breadth of individual, group, and family support that Limitless Horizons Ixil now provides. âNowadays students are offered a level of support that I didnât have, and itâs crucial for their success.â
Reginaâs work with Limitless Horizons Ixil gives her the chance to offer that vital support. She is passionate about emotional well-being, believing it is key to academic success.
âIf youâre not in a good place mentally, nothing else in your life will fall into place,â she says. Her role as a mentor allows her to help students academically, by focusing on their psychological well-being, a unique and pivotal service that sets Colegio Horizontes apart in the community.
As she witnesses the growth of her students, Regina feels immense pride. Sheâs seen firsthand how Limitless Horizons Ixil is transforming Chajul, especially for women. âMore women are in professional and leadership roles now,â she says. âThere are women my age working in high positions at the local cooperative bank and others whoâve graduated from college.â
This shift has led to greater acceptance of education for young girls, with more families allowing their daughters to attend school, inspired by the success of older sisters and neighbors.
One of Reginaâs most rewarding experiences has been gaining the trust of a family and helping them work through their problems. âThey said to me, âWeâve never had someone come into our home and really listen to us,ââ she recalls. The gratitude and trust sheâs earned are a testament to the lasting impact Limitless Horizons Ixil has made on her life and the lives of those she now mentors. From mentee to mentor, Reginaâs journey is a powerful example of how education and support can empower individuals to uplift their entire community.
This giving season, support Limitless Horizons Ixil to empower more changemakers like Regina.