From Guatemala to Blair

Editor's Note: The interviews with Mel and Alvarado were conducted in Spanish.

Where only first names appear, names have been changed to protect the identity of the sources.

While most 14-year-olds are actively on social media keeping in touch with new trends, current Blair freshman Mel had a whole career to manage. She did not have the liberty to engage in typical teenage activities, instead having to deal with the reality of adulthood as a young girl.

Mel immigrated to the United States from Guatemala on March 8. Back in her homeland, Mel balanced a hectic schedule, with her time split between school, boxing training, and working as a house cleaner to afford her education. She recounts waking up most days at 5 a.m. and coming home at 8 p.m., sometimes waking up even earlier for boxing competitions.

Despite the taxing hours, Mel's love for boxing kept her going. “It was very difficult for me, but I was a boxing lover, and after work, I would leave tired to train. I had to be disciplined and punctual,” she says. Through her resolve, Mel was awarded a gold and bronze medal at two national competitions, fueling her competitive drive.

Remaining committed

In Guatemala, the day-to-day life of young people differs from that in more developed countries. Many of the economic challenges require kids to contribute to their families' income from a very young age. “Some of my friends worked, others didn't; some only trained, while others only studied,” Mel says.

Mel's struggle derived from her goals and aspirations; she wanted to pursue a sport and study, so despite only being 13 years old, she had to come up with money to pay for part of her education. She shared the burden of paying for school with her parents. “One month I would pay, the other my parents would,” Mel explains. Working was a necessity for her, but she stayed dedicated to her craft while also pursuing an education.

Mel shared the cultural and economic challenges that define life in Guatemala. The country struggles with poverty, political instability, and high crime rates, creating an environment where young people are often forced to find gimmicks to escape some of the harsh realities of the country. “There is a lot of delinquency and very different laws,” Mel says.

Luckily, Mel found trainer Mauricio Alvarado and committed herself to his gym, which she could attend free of cost. Over 2 years, her trainer recognized the commitment and dedication that she brought to their training sessions. “She was quick and had good coordination, and with her dedication, she was able to excel,” Alvarado says.

Guatemalan Boxer

Photo: Guatemalan boxer.

Guatemalan boxer. Photo courtesy of Mel.

With his support, she was able to continue her path toward competing. But with the pressure that a physically demanding sport like boxing evokes, Mel found herself meditating before matches to compose herself. “She would meditate for about a minute to a minute and a half before matches,” Alvarado explains. “This helped her a lot—it relaxed her before I went to motivate her.”

Despite the progress, Mel continued to face significant challenges. After throwing a bad punch during a tournament, she suffered an arm injury that still affects her today. The boxing federation in Guatemala provided no compensation for hospital bills, leaving her to fend for herself. With no time to visit the hospital due to her demanding schedule and lack of support, Mel opted to care for her injury on her own by applying ointments and bandages. “I didn't have time to visit the hospital,” she says.

A new chapter

But a new light was ignited in Mel when her father called to persuade her to live in the United States with him. Her father arrived in the United States before any of her family to support them financially back home in Guatemala. Mel believed in her father and decided to join him. So, she completed a long and extensive eight-day journey, traveling alone from Guatemala City to Barrios, through Mexico, and finally arriving in the United States. This journey came with inherent risks, but she was motivated by the influx of opportunities available in America. 

Leaving her Family behind, including her mother, was one of the hardest decisions she had to make, but what keeps her reassured in that decision is the dangers that follow immigration. “I wouldn't want to put my mom at risk,” she says. 

Many times, immigrants have to go through a long and tiring journey. This entails crossing borders in unfavorable weather and relying on unsafe transportation. During the journey there is also a constant threat of robbery, threats, and exploitation.

Arriving in the United States was not an easy task either. Communication with her mother is now limited to phone calls, but Mel remains focused on her goals of pursuing higher education. She understands this means adapting to a much different lifestyle, and places significant emphasis on learning English. “My goals are to study and learn English, and the rest will become more possible,” she says. 

Financial constraints have made it difficult for her to continue pursuing boxing in the United States. “My dad's salary is low, he has gone (to a boxing gym) but it costs $270” she explains. Her current focus remains on her education, dedicating most of her time to studying. Mel has found it difficult to connect with her friends back home, as much of her time is spent on adaptation. “I go home and read. I have a lot on my mind, so I haven't found the time,” she says.

Now a Blazer, Mel is growing accustomed to school life. “There are a lot of opportunities, and they support you a lot in school,” she says, reflecting on the contrast between her old life and the new opportunities she now has access to.

Looking ahead

When asked what her goals are for the future, Mel explained her hopes to establish herself in the United States and eventually return to Guatemala to aid in providing resources for her community. “I want to return with many things to Guatemala and help a lot of people,” Mel says.