My name is Gerald Jeronimo Gomez López. I live in Solidaridad, a neighborhood outside of Condega. I am 16 years old and in my first year of the university, studying medicine. I have a younger brother and sister. My brother is in 4th grade and my sister in 5th grade. I have always been very small, but this past year I have grown 2 inches and I am happy about that. I like to read and listen to music. It makes me happy to learn new things and to discover the many new things of the world.
My father and my mother have few resources so I am very grateful to have the support from Asla in order to study. We live in a house made of black plastic and mud walls with zinc sheets for our roof. My father works very hard doing jobs where he can, mainly helping in building or repairing houses.
I travel for an hour by bus to Esteli everyday to study. It has not been easy because I have a heart problem. When I was in grade school, it was difficult for me to do strenuous activities, and I would tire easily. My father has brought me to doctors, but so far I have not had surgery. I do take medicine which helps with my strength. Now I am working hard in my studies and doing well.
I have known Nola since grade school. We connected because we both have heart problems. Nola has always been so kind and shared about her surgery and heart defect, and she always encouraged me to keep going.
Life has been a challenge, but I am very happy to be able to study. I hope to become a doctor and help children with health problems and make myself and my family proud.
I hope that I will succeed as a doctor, and I am so grateful for the support.
Thank you and blessings!
