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!
Love is not just about what we feel in our hearts, but about how we choose to express it through our actions. It's in the small moments, the sacrifices, and the unwavering support we give to others, showing them they matter. As Maya Angelou once said, 'I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.' This month, let’s focus on giving love not just in words, but in the way we treat each other every day.
Thought of the month
what's up this month
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Update January, 2024
Student updates
Maria´s update:
Maria recently began an exciting internship at the Observatoire de Paris, working in the Laboratoire d’Instrumentation et de Recherche en Astrophysique (LIRA). She is contributing to a groundbreaking project supporting a new space mission proposal.
Her role focuses on Monte Carlo simulations, a computational method used to predict how an instrument might perform in space. This work is essential for evaluating the mission’s scientific viability before submitting the proposal to the European Space Agency (ESA).
Maria is specifically working on Gaia-NIR, a future mission designed to study stars in the Milky Way using near-infrared light. She’s developing a computer model to test how accurately the mission’s spectrograph can measure star movements. While balancing classes, she currently works two days a week and will transition to full-time in April until June.
One of the best parts of this journey was meeting people from all over the world. My roommates were Italian, French, and Mexican, so our apartment felt like a mix of different cultures, languages, and traditions. I also made so many incredible friends from different backgrounds, and those friendships are ones I’ll treasure forever.
Her daily tasks include:
🔹 Writing code and running simulations.
🔹 Analyzing synthetic and real star spectra data.
🔹 Testing different instrument designs to determine the most effective setup.
For Maria, the most exciting part is knowing her work could contribute to an actual instrument that might one day be sent to space. This internship gives her the chance to:
🔹Collaborate with world-class researchers in space exploration.
🔹Gain hands-on experience in astrophysics and space instrumentation.
🔹Develop technical skills in simulations and data analysis.
Maria’s experience is a perfect example of how real-world work bridges theory and practice, preparing students for future success. This aligns with January’s College Prep Mentoring class discussion on the value of meaningful work experience.
Have a dream internship or work project? We’d love to hear about it! Send us a note and share your story.
From Los Cabos to Disney: My Summer in the Disney Cultural Exchange Program
This summer, I had an amazing opportunity to be part of Disney’s Cultural Exchange Program at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Working at The Emporium in Magic Kingdom as part of the merchandise team wasn’t just a job it was a dream come true! Every day, I got to be part of the magic, helping guests, and making unforgettable memories.
Disney is all about excellence, teamwork, and bringing happiness and magical moments to people, and being part of that world taught me so much. From making sure every guest had a great experience to working with an international team, I grew both personally and professionally and just by having the opportunity to be part of the magic is something that I will always appreciate.
One of the best parts of this journey was meeting people from all over the world. My roommates were Italian, French, and Mexican, so our apartment felt like a mix of different cultures, languages, and traditions. I also made so many incredible friends from different backgrounds, and those friendships are ones I’ll treasure forever.
Living in Orlando for two months was pure magic. Having the parks just minutes away meant that on my days off, I could enjoy Disney as a guest watching fireworks over Cinderella’s Castle, riding Space Mountain at night, or just walking down Main Street, U.S.A. with a Mickey-shaped snack. And beyond Disney, Orlando had so many fun places to explore, making every day an adventure.
Leaving my home country for the first time to live and work in a new place was a big challenge, but it was so worth it. It was a time of growth, adventure, and learning. To anyone thinking about doing something like this, I say: go for it! It’s a life-changing experience that fills you with amazing memories, new friendships, and lessons that stay with you forever. The magic of Disney isn’t just in the parks, it's in the people, the moments, and the experiences that shape you long after the summer is over.
-Sofia Enríquez
Predict the future by creating it
We are celebrating the addition of two new students to our Monarch Effect tribe. Join us in welcoming Samara and Andrey.
Samara is studying Marketing Digital and Integrated Communications at ASU in Tempe, AZ.
Andrey is studying International Business at ITESM, Campus Guadalajara.
STORIES THAT INSPIRE
Good luck, Samy! Wishing you an amazing journey at Arizona State University. May this experience bring you growth, new friendships, and unforgettable moments. You've got this—shine bright and enjoy every step of the way!
Launching Samy to ASU!
where's monarch's mug
Follow the mug!
Monarch's Mug is back and ready for action in Querétaro! Kicking off the semester strong in the third semester of Communications with Dani. 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!
MCI this month
Passing the Torch: A New Chapter for MCI:
As students in the Monarch Circle of Impact (MCI), we’ve seen firsthand how mentorship changes lives. This year, we’re excited to share that Mariano, our amazing Program Director, is passing the torch to Nico, one of our own ambassadors! This handoff isn’t just about leadership—it’s about keeping the program’s momentum going and making it even better.
Over the past year, Mariano has guided us through inspiring mentoring sessions, creative activities, and so much growth. He’s not just been a leader but also a mentor who’s helped each of us thrive. Now, he’s been helping Nico step into his new role, ensuring the transition is smooth and full of fresh ideas.
Succession planning is a big deal in MCI. Every outgoing director creates an MCI Succession Guide that highlights what worked, what didn’t, and what can improve. Mariano and Nico have already had their handoff meeting, where Mariano shared everything he’s learned to help Nico start strong.
Nico has been an incredible ambassador and is ready to take the program to the next level. He’ll bring his own style and energy while building on Mariano’s great work. We’re so excited to see what’s next for MCI under his leadership!
This transition shows how MCI isn’t just about mentoring—it’s about creating future leaders. Each Program Director learns, grows, and passes on their knowledge, so the program keeps getting better for all of us.
Thank you, Mariano, for everything you’ve done for MCI! And Nico, we can’t wait to see you shine as our new Program Director.
College prep this month
Daniela Enríquez, mentor of Collage Prep Mentoring class:
This month, I had the incredible opportunity to lead a workshop at College Prep alongside Nicolás, introducing an exciting project: the WE (Work Experience) Program. It was a magical experience to share with students the importance of work experience and how it shapes their university preparation and professional lives.
Drawing from our own experiences, we discussed how the professional world offers a valuable opportunity to develop skills, build connections, and discover passions. Beyond theory, we wanted to emphasize how crucial it is to be prepared for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead after school.
The WE Program aims to establish partnerships with companies in Los Cabos to offer the community internships in their fields of interest, providing a support network and a structured environment for students to gain real-world experience. This initiative is designed to help young individuals acquire practical knowledge while strengthening their confidence and future vision.
Seeing the students’ interest and enthusiasm during the workshop was truly inspiring. Knowing that we are contributing to their growth and helping connect more young people with real opportunities makes this project incredibly special. We are excited for what’s to come and look forward to creating even more opportunities through WE!
Ego Is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday explores how ego can hinder success and personal growth, offering lessons on humility, self-awareness, and resilience through three stages: striving, success, and failure. During my first semester of graduate school, I found its insights particularly relevant. The book helped me shift focus from seeking approval to embracing the process, reminding me to remain curious and open to learning.
Holiday emphasizes that success can test character more than failure, urging readers to view achievements as temporary and to stay grounded. This perspective was invaluable as I navigated challenges, like mastering research techniques and overcoming self-doubt. By letting go of the need to appear always capable, I opened myself to collaboration and growth.
What is monarch reading
Path to the future
Highlighting experiences that drive professional growth
Hello, dear readers! Working at One & Only Palmilla has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. It was my first official job, and while it started off chaotically (with missing uniforms and no clear instructions) my amazing team quickly made me feel at home. Their warmth, patience, and support taught me the value of teamwork, resilience, and kindness in the workplace.
One of the biggest lessons I learned is that growth happens when we step out of our comfort zones. “La vie commence là où commence ta zone d’inconfort”, “life begins at the end of your comfort zone“ a phrase that stuck with mw from The Five AM Club. Even the most challenging situations can lead to personal and professional development if we approach them with the right mindset.
Each person left a lasting impact on me, not just as coworkers but as people who inspired me daily. The lessons I’ve learned at Palmilla will stay with me as I continue preparing for university and striving through psychology.
Now, as I continue preparing for university and exploring scholarship opportunities, I feel more confident and ready to face new challenges. This job was more than just work, it was a stepping stone toward becoming the person I aspire to be. I’m grateful for every lesson learned, every friendship made, and every challenge overcome.
Thank you for following my journey. I’m excited for what’s next, and I hope my story inspires others, the way it inspires me) to embrace new experiences with courage and an open heart. Rien ne m’arrête! Nothing stops me!
-Fernanda
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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