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!
“Enduring means having the courage to keep going, even when you’re tired and everything seems against you.” – Rafael Nadal
By Daniela: For this newsletter, I would like to share one of my favorite quotes by Rafael Nadal It’s a reminder that persistence, resilience, and mental strength are what truly shape success. It’s about embracing challenges instead of avoiding them.
Thought of the month
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Update September 2025
Kendra at Summer School
Taking summer classes was a choice I made with the future in mind. I wanted to save time and money, reduce academic stress during the school year, and give myself a chance to focus more deeply on fewer classes at UCLA. I kept reminding myself it was just six weeks of hard work, essentially one less quarter in person, but I didn’t anticipate how difficult it would be to watch my friends finally relaxing after a long year of college. They made plans almost every day, and while I wanted to join, I couldn’t most of the time since I was cramming ten weeks of material into six.
What helped me manage this challenge was the same skill that gets me through college in general: time management. Since the workload was available beforehand, I spent the first two weeks completing most of the assignments, freeing myself to focus on lectures, exams, and spending some time with friends later. I mapped out exactly when I’d study for midterms and finals, dedicating certain weekends to preparing and others to being social. In the end, time management and organization were what allowed me to handle summer courses and continue navigating the hectic pace of college life.
Fresh Faces, Bright Futures
We’re so thrilled to introduce the newest members of the Monarch family — eight brilliant, bold, and butterfly-winged dreamers:
Natalia, Fridha, Fernanda, Marco, Melissa, Tessa, Maria Fernanda... and yes, another Fernanda!
Each of these incredible students brings their own spark — unique stories, passions, and a hunger to grow and expand their world. But this isn’t just about scholarships. It’s about stepping into a community built on mentorship, purpose, and real transformation.
They’re already matched with our amazing senior Monarchs, who’ve been there, done that, and are now guiding these new voices as they leave home and head off to pursue big dreams in brand new places.
We couldn’t be prouder — and trust us, you’ll be hearing more about each of them soon.
Scroll down to meet the class and see where their journey begins! 💫
Global Service, Local Heart
This summer I jumped at the opportunity to volunteer in Zanzibar, Africa with the Boresha Maisha Project because I’ve always believed that education has the power to change lives. Being in and seeing Africa on the ground in this small village gave me the chance to contribute, in a small way, to children who face challenges far greater than mine. Focused on childcare and teaching at a local pre-primary school, I was completely out of my comfort zone, immersed in an entirely different culture, working with young students and giving back in a way that felt like I was on a different planet and yet unbelievably meaningful.
What I got out of it was far more than I expected. It was a deeply grounding and humbling experience, one that shifted my perspective on what really matters. Seeing the resilience and joy of the kids, despite the hardships they face daily, reminded me how small my own problems are in comparison. It reiterated the importance of gratitude, empathy, and living with a wider lens on the world. I came back not only with unforgettable memories, but also with a stronger sense of purpose and a renewed commitment to make a difference wherever I can.
where's monarch's mug
Follow the mug!
This summer, the Monarch Mug took a trip to Los Cabos! It got to reunite with old friends, meet the new ambassadors, and collect some unforgettable memories along the way.
REFLEXTIONS
By Majo: This summer, I completed my internship in space science, developing simulations for a future space mission at school, and then briefly came home to Cabo, where I reunited with my family and had the chance to see my Monarch family in person as well. It was an especially meaningful visit because my sister, Sor María, who is a nun in Canada, could be there too and we only see her once every four years. Being together as a family was priceless. As I prepare to return to my work and studies, I carry with me the energy and support from both my family and the Monarch network.
SUMACABO
"Lessons from the Campaign Trail"
When we talk about opportunity in Los Cabos, we don’t just mean scholarships. For us as students, it means something much deeper — the chance to be seen, to be supported, and to know that our community believes in our dreams.
That’s what SUMACABO represents.
We’ve always been encouraged to dream big, but we also know how hard it can be to make those dreams real. SUMACABO, created by the Monarch Effect Foundation, gives us more than financial help — it gives us confidence that we’re not alone. Local businesses, mentors, and leaders are stepping in to say: we believe in you, and we want to see you grow.
For us, that can look like a hotelier becoming a mentor, a real estate company helping fund tuition, or a restaurant owner offering a first internship. But beyond that, it’s about knowing our own community wants us to succeed.
When someone invests in our education, they’re telling us that our future matters — not just for ourselves, but for Los Cabos too. And that feeling changes everything.
To everyone who supports this movement: thank you. You’re not just helping one student. You’re showing us that our community stands behind us, and that gives us the strength to aim higher and come back as professionals ready to give back.
Emerging Monarch Ambassadors
By Fer: EMA (Emerging Monarch Ambassadors) is a program I designed for students in grades 9 and 10 who are just starting to dream big. It’s built on the idea that real confidence, emotional intelligence, and leadership shouldn’t be things we figure out after high school — we should start learning them now.
After lots of research (and I mean lots), I created a fun, interactive workshop series that mixes short videos, relatable readings, and real-life activities. We talk about money, digital safety, communication, emotions, goals — all the things that help us grow into strong, thoughtful people.
It’s not just about teaching — it’s about inspiring. EMA is where we learn to speak up, think deeper, and lead with heart.
I’m so proud to see younger students already stepping into their power. And I’m beyond grateful to the Monarch Effect Foundation and our amazing supporters for believing in us.
This is only the beginning.
PROGRAM INTRODUCTION
MENTOR-MENTEE POWER
Behind every great student is… another great student.
This year, each of our eight new Monarch Ambassadors has been paired with a returning ambassador as a mentor. These matches were made thoughtfully—based on shared career paths, values, and dreams. Why?
Because sometimes, the best advice doesn’t come from a teacher or professional—it comes from someone who’s walked the same hallway, overcome the same fear, or taken the same leap.
From helping choose college classes, to giving tips on moving away from home, to just being a friend in moments of doubt, the mentor-mentee bond is a cornerstone of all of our success as students.
ALIGN
Eric's word of the MONTH:
Align your thoughts, decisions, tribe, and goals. Daily. Repeat
Make It Count: Summer Projects That Matter
The Summer Projects provide a unique challenge and opportunity for the Monarch Effect students. It is a way in which we can explore our areas of interest, a way in which we can create value and give back to the community. It is a method in which we can maintain productivity and growth at a steady pace, at a point in time in which we can afford spending much time and energy in things that we are passionate and truly intentional about. Through these Summer Projects we have created an opportunity for students to have an experience of self-discovery in terms of their career. This is an investment that will pay dividends in the future.
BY: NICOLAS DURAN
Summer project MANAGER
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 Growth and New Beginnings
As we wrap up this edition of Kaleidoscope, we want to take a moment to thank each of you, our students, mentors, partners, and supporters for being part of our ever growing community and Monarch family. This summer has been full of new beginnings: welcoming eight new ambassadors, launching exciting new student mentoring projects, and creating and strengthening programs like SUMACABO and WE - Work Experience.
Looking ahead, we’re preparing for an inspiring fall, with upcoming events and new collaborations that will keep opening doors for our ambassadors. None of this would be possible without your trust and commitment to the mission of the Monarch Effect Foundation.
Together, we’re building a stronger future for Los Cabos, one student, one opportunity, one connection at a time.
-Daniela Enríquez
Newsletter Editor
Summer Momentum
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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