Meet Mayumi, a passionate student who was selected for Huarmis Space, a life-changing program. Learn about her journey and how you too, can achieve it. Mayumi is an avid enthusiast of theater and painting. If you're looking for her, she's probably preparing for a performance or imagining the next character she can portray. In her free time, she enjoys painting canvases, watching anime, and spending time with her pets: Vago and Gordita. However, she particularly enjoys recording and editing videos. Her path in the world of leadership and STEAM is an example of how dreams sometimes seem distant, but a leap of confidence can turn them into reality. Her story is not just one of success, but also of falling and perseverance. I'm sure it will connect with your reality. I hope you enjoy it!

Background

My name is Mayumi Sulca, I'm 17 years old, and I'm currently studying the diploma program at COAR Ayacucho, a school for high-performing students. I take Biology and Visual Arts at standard level as IB electives, in addition to the mandatory content of the program. I was born and raised in a small community called Cangallo; however, I later moved to Huamanga, the capital of my region, because my school is a boarding school.

What is Huarmis Space?

Huarmis Space, driven by the Huarmis Foundation, is a program that promotes the development of both STEAM skills and leadership in children and adolescents in vulnerable areas of Peru. Selected students experience three months of virtual classes taught by experts from around the world. Through the classes, they learn to design projects based on STEAM themes with the help of mentoring and resources that the program offers. Additionally, the 6 best participants are given the opportunity of a five-day trip to Florida, where they enjoy tours of NASA and Disneyland.

My Application Process

I found out about Huarmis Space through a teacher who recommended I apply. Honestly, when I learned about the benefits of the program, I was greatly discouraged because I thought it was impossible to even pass the first phase. However, I decided to try, thinking that just applying was already worth it and that if I didn't, I wouldn't be able to get out of my comfort zone, which was what I was looking for.

Starting the application process meant facing time constraints, as the call closed on the last night of June, and I was in a period of exams and assignments, so it was somewhat overwhelming. Finally, and almost at the deadline, I was able to send the form with the mini-essays they asked for; honestly, it was a relief.

Shortly after, I received an email informing me that I had passed to the next phase. When I reached the second phase, the interview, my expectations about being selected had increased, as I believed I had progressed more than I initially expected. The interview went smoothly because, with the essays from the first phase, I had managed to identify my passions and goals.

It was the second interview, this time with my parents, that I consider was the most difficult part of my application. My parents were connected from Cangallo; however, due to audio failures, they couldn't hear any questions. It was a decisive moment because I thought my journey in the application was over. However, the facilitators gave me one last chance. They told me to explain in 30 seconds why I should be selected. I gathered all my strength and responded, ensuring I would take advantage of every second of the program and return to my community with new tools for its development.

Essays

My essays focused on exploring my extracurricular activities and their implications for my personal development. I recommend that through these you talk about the values or skills that will make your participation valuable. To do this, I suggest including anecdotes or specific facts that will engage with your story. On the other hand, I suggest not portraying yourself as someone perfect; you can include failures, weaknesses, or falls as part of your development.

With this approach, my essays went from simple statements ("I am supportive") to narratives of concrete actions and specific results. The program recognizes the limitations that the applicant's context may bring, so it is not mandatory to have participation in massive or international projects.

Extracurriculars

I focused the extracurricular section on my participation in various competitions. I mentioned having created an energy generator in Eureka, a science contest. Also, having worked on the formulation of aloe vera gummies for Crea y Emprende, another entrepreneurship contest. Additionally, having carried out a project of children's solutions through the sketching of school furniture. On the other hand, I included my passion for theater and how it had led me to different stages.

I must emphasize that incredible achievements such as winning international competitions, participating in famous programs, or doing guided research are not necessary to be accepted into the program. It's something that initially caused me fear; however, even just being a participant in a contest can count as an extracurricular activity for this area.

What I do recommend is establishing a deep relationship between the activities you mention and the values or skills you expose in your essays. For example, you can say that you are a leader, but I suggest relating the development of that skill to one of your extracurriculars.

Financial Aid

The Huarmis Foundation covered all travel, accommodation, and food costs in Florida. Additionally, the U.S. Embassy in Peru guided my parents through the visa process and took care of the consular procedures, which was certainly very helpful as it was my first time doing such procedures.

Routine Within the Program

Starting in August, my life took on a new rhythm as the program began. I aspired to stand out, so I set myself unique tasks throughout the process. However, it wasn't all linear success, as at certain times the accumulation of activities at my school didn't allow me to give my best. I came to feel anxious and discouraged for not achieving the goals I set for myself at the beginning of the program. Despite all this, I continued to push myself, which led me to change strategy. I started recording a video explaining the topic of the activity, something that set me apart. I followed the same method to present my final project, which resulted in being chosen to travel to NASA.

The Trip Abroad

Finally, in November, it was time to travel. After several procedures and waiting, I boarded the plane. We landed in Florida, which meant a clash of realities: the gigantic Rocket Garden at Kennedy Space Center, the IMAX 3D simulation, and Disney's warm welcome reminded me how far I had come. Honestly, I missed Peruvian food, but I can say that the Huarmis experience completely changed me.

Lessons Learned and Recommendations

My application and acceptance to Huarmis left me with many experiences that I'd like to share. First, dare to apply, believe me, you lose much more if you don't try. Also, be original, don't try to look like a perfect person, show your humanity, both in essays and interviews. Last but not least: be unique. It may sound repetitive, but if you manage to differentiate yourself as I did with the videos (which the program didn't ask for but I made), you'll be more likely to be admitted.

Aspirations

The program was a demanding but formative experience. It has allowed me to develop skills that I plan to apply in my projects. It has also greatly expanded my vision of what is possible to achieve. I hope that more people will join this initiative that has personally changed me.