Kaleidoscope
newsletter
A swarm of butterflies is called Kaleidoscope. It's our hope you will enjoy this Kaleidoscope of stories sharing our students' achievements, news, and events. Take flight with us!
"Knowing Yourself is About Elimination"
By Mariano: For this newsletter, I would like to share one of my favorite quotes by Matthew McConaughey:
"The process of knowing yourself is more of elimination than of creation. The more you know what you don't want or like, the closer you will get to understanding who you are."
Thought of the month
what's up this month
Connect with us through Kaleidoscope, enjoy our monthly content and don't miss anything!
Update April, 2025
Thoughts on time and change
"How Fast Everything Changes"
By Kendra: As I’m reaching the halfway point of my last quarter of my first year at UCLA, I’ve been reflecting a lot on how fast time flies.
It’s crazy to think how much has changed in just a few months. I used to feel heartbroken about leaving my home and town, but life has shown me that letting go sometimes opens space for even better things.
One moment that made this lesson very real was when one of my suitemates got into a scooter accident. She no longer lives with us, and I barely see her anymore.
Life moves so quickly. All we can do is try to be present and grateful for the people and moments that shape us.
"Every Step Counts"
By Majo: In recent weeks, I’ve been going through a period of burnout that has affected my energy and motivation.
One thing that has helped me start recovering is incorporating daily exercise, even if it’s just for 20 minutes.
I recently started running in the mornings, and although taking that first step can be incredibly difficult, I always end up feeling clearer and better afterward.
I’ve noticed that on the days I run, I not only perform better, but I also wake up with more energy compared to the days when I don’t exercise and everything feels heavier.
I’ve learned that even small efforts are a way to keep growing and investing in our well-being.
Mun achievements and new adventures
"From Harvard to Coaching Picacho McGregor"
By Nico: Model United Nations has been a very important activity for me throughout this year at university. I have become very passionate about it, and I’m excited to see how far I can take it in my career.
I had an exciting conclusion in the Philippines, receiving an award at the world conference organized by Harvard.
When I returned to London, I started getting more and more involved with the new MUN delegation of Picacho McGregor, helping them prepare for the Latin America conference organized by Yale, which will take place in Mexico City.
My interest in supporting the new delegation grew even more, and I thought... why stop there? I offered the teacher to travel to Mexico City and be the coach for the students during the conference, and I recently received confirmation that it will be possible!
I’m very excited to support the students and make sure that Picacho McGregor’s delegation has a successful first conference!
Wellness and growth
where's monarch's mug
Follow the mug!
Monarch's Mug is back and ready for action in Arizona! Finishing off the semester strong. Between classes, projects, and lots of caffeine, the Mug is soaking up knowledge and making the most of the university experience. Let the adventure begin!
The value of pausing
"Enjoy the Moment"
By Andrey: Today, we live in a world where everything moves very quickly, full of distractions, constant stimulation, and fleeting interactions.
I want to invite you to pause, look around, and truly enjoy what you're doing, because no matter what it is, that moment will never come again.
Student involvement
"Lessons from the Campaign Trail"
By Dani: Being part of the student council campaigns at Anáhuac as a candidate for social media was one of the most intense yet fulfilling experiences of my college life. I committed fully from the very
beginning—putting in work behind the scenes, helping shape the vision, and showing up with consistency. Campaign season is no joke: it's exhausting, fast-passed, and emotionally draining, but also full of laughter, teamwork, and purpose. It taught me the value of responsibility, creativity under pressure, and the impact we can have when we care about our community. Above all, it made me feel more connected to my career and my future.
"The Obstacle is the Way"
By Fer: One book that profoundly impacted me is The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday.
Drawing on Stoic philosophy, it teaches that challenges and setbacks aren't obstacles to success, they are the path to it.
Holiday shares real-life stories—from Emperor Marcus Aurelius to modern athletes—showing that the strongest leaders are forged by facing challenges with courage, patience, and discipline.
For young people like us in Los Cabos who dream of studying in places with higher academic standards, this book reminds us that our obstacles can actually shape us into the leaders we aspire to become. Difficulty is not a sign of defeat; it's proof that we're on a path worth taking.
recommended reading
new faces, new dreams
We're exited to announce that new students from the College Prep program will soon be joining the Monarch Effect family for the upcoming school year. Stay tuned to meet the next generation of change-makers!
Eric's word of the week:
special monarch friends
Supporting the Monarch Effect Foundation is incredibly meaningful to me because it reflects a challenge I personally experienced. I grew up in Mexico City and, like many of my friends, faced significant obstacles in the journey to attend university. Without student loans available in Mexico, it is difficult to compete for scholarships and find a way to access the education that can ultimately shape one’s future. This is why the foundation’s mission resonates so deeply with me—it gives young students the opportunity to attend great schools, changing their life trajectory and opening doors that might otherwise remain closed.
At Querencia, I work in real estate and marketing and have the privilege of being deeply connected with the foundations that Querencia Cares supports. Giving back to the local community is something I am truly passionate about, and I’m honored to support initiatives like this that make a lasting impact.
I admire the vision behind the Monarch Effect Foundation and how it continues to grow, providing crucial support to students who need it most. It fills my heart to be part of this effort, helping spread awareness and encourage more donors to contribute to this life-changing cause.
ALEJANDRA MARENTES
REAL ESTATE & MARKETING QUERENCIA
Celebrating Our Supporters: The Mentors Foundation and Sayler-Hawkins Foundation
At the Monarch Effect Foundation, we are constantly reminded that our mission wouldn’t be possible without the incredible generosity and belief of our supporters. Two pillars of our success are The Mentors Foundation and Sayler-Hawkins Foundation, whose contributions have helped shape the future of education for students in Los Cabos.
The Mentors Foundation has been an unwavering ally, providing essential resources to strengthen programs like the College Prep Mentoring (CPM) and Monarch Circle of Impact (MCI) and ensuring students have access to mentorship and leadership development opportunities. Their support helps our ambassadors grow into confident leaders ready to make a difference in their communities.
Sayler-Hawkins Foundation has championed our vision by investing in scholarships and innovative educational initiatives. Their generosity has opened doors for students to pursue higher education and achieve dreams that once seemed out of reach. With their help, we’re setting students up to thrive academically and personally, and build brighter futures.
The Mentors Foundation and Sayler-Hawkins Foundation represent the spirit of collaboration that drives the Monarch Effect. Their belief in the transformative power of education is inspiring, and their contributions are helping create a lasting ripple effect in our community.
To The Mentors Foundation and Sayler-Hawkins Foundation: thank you for being part of our journey. Your support is more than a donation—it’s an investment in the lives of our students and the future of Los Cabos. We are deeply grateful for your commitment to making a meaningful impact.
shout out!
When I started my college application journey, I often felt like I was navigating unknown territory. As an international student and someone who didn’t have a guide who was familiar with the college application system outside of Mexico, I had to figure out the process through trial, error, and a lot of late night research. It was overwhelming to juggle essays, extracurriculars, and exams while constantly doubting if I was doing things “right.” This experience is what inspired me to create my life lesson lab, where I share the main tips that helped me succeed. I wanted to offer the guidance I wish I had, actionable advice that could make a difference for students feeling lost or unsure of where to start.
Making this video wasn’t just about sharing tips; it was about connecting with others who are on the same path I once was. I know firsthand how isolating the process can feel, and I wanted to remind students that they’re not alone. My goal was to encourage them to believe in their abilities, even when the odds seem daunting. UCLA was a dream I worked hard for, and I hope that by sharing a small piece of my journey, I can empower others to turn their own dreams into reality.
– Kendra, attending UCLA 2nd semester
LIFE LESSONS LAB
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