Simply Smiles is “dedicated to providing bright futures for impoverished children”. We know that the very best way to fulfill this mandate is through educating those in our care. Therefore, when we take on a new project, we make a commitment to those children that they can pursue their education at any level. While not every child chooses to continue their studies, many do. For those individuals, a Simply Smiles College Scholarship is waiting…

Featured Scholarship Recipient!

Gabriela Chavez Hernandez

“Gaby’s” life began when her mother gave birth to her in a car. The mid-wife in their village thought that Gaby was a breach birth. Borrowing a car they raced for the nearest hospital three hours away. They didn’t quite make it… As Gaby grew up, she excelled in elementary school. She dreamed of being a teacher, but the little school only offered classes through the fifth grade. After graduating first in her class Gaby had two options; begin looking for a husband like the rest of her schoolmates or go to the city to continue her education. The choice was not an easy one, but at age eleven, Gaby left her family to come live at The Casa Hogar Children’s Home where she could continue her studies through high school.

At Casa Hogar, Gaby took on a mountain of responsibilities. At age 13, she was in charge of cooking meals for the entire home – 70+ children. At 15 she was in charge of a room full of little girls, most not much younger than her. At 17 she began doing the book-keeping for the entire home. All this while maintaining excellent grades. It was clear to all of us that Gaby was a very special young woman.

When the time came for Gaby to begin thinking about college, Simply Smiles offered her a new option; to come and study in the United States. Through much thought, long conversations, and many tears, Gaby accepted our scholarship and became the first “Simply Smiles International Scholarship” recipient. Her motivation to take such a leap of faith was “so that I could be an example for the other children. To show them that they can in fact achieve their dreams”.

Today, Gaby lives in Connecticut and is currently attending Norwalk Community College where she is focusing on English as a Second Language. Soon she will be transferring to a four-year university. She may still become a teacher, but Simply Smiles is committed to helping Gaby, and all the children like her, “achieve their dreams”.

In her own words. A note from Gaby:

“Just few years ago I did not have any plans to go to another country to study. But thanks to Simply Smiles, I started to dream about coming to the United States to continue my education and to have another great experience in my life. May 1st 2008 was my first day here in Connecticut. I had no idea how it was going to be, but I was sure that I made the best decision of my life in coming here. Now I am studying at Norwalk Community College. Over the past year I learned so many things that I couldn’t ever have imagined before. I know that I have to go through many steps in the future but I am so lucky to be here because I wasn’t born in a country or in a family like where I am living today. I want to thank all of you who are part of Simply Smiles because even though I haven’t met you, I know that you are there helping me and helping hundreds of people like me to make difference in our lives. Thank You So Much!”

Gabriela Chavez Hernandez

Other College Scholarship Recipients:

Evaristo is currently enrolled in school in Oaxaca, Mexico on a Simply Smiles College Scholarship. He is studying Toursim.

Madai received a partial college scholarship from Simply Smiles to pursue her degree in accounting in Oaxaca, Mexico.

Cristina is currently enrolled in school in Oaxaca, Mexico on a Simply Smiles College Scholarship. She is studying to be an Elementary School Teacher.