Marcela Granados

Marcela Granados came to Aziza's Place with energy and excitement about teaching our students mathematics.  The children didn't take long to be inspired and enthused about thier extra maths tutoring during the two weeks she was here.  Marcela joined in with all of AP's activities including the Water Festival events on her first day here, and arranging a delicious feast of fajita's one Wednesday evening.  Thankyou Marcela!   

How did you find Aziza’s Place?
Through my friend Jodi Hilton who is a photographer that focused on Evictions in Phnom Penh.

What brings you here? What is your motivation to come?
Teaching Math in developing countries. I strongly believe that children in these places do not take education for granted.

What are you doing or did you do at AP?
Taught math for 2 weeks to the older kids (Math 3 and Math 4).

What preconceived ideas of Cambodia did you have before that have been changed since being here?

I thought the country was more rural. Now I know that it's modern, there's ATMs, banks and kids sing Justin Bieber!

What did you do before coming to AP?
I am an Actuary (lots of math) working for a big insurance company in NYC.

What are your plans for after AP?
Coming back to my job.

What is something unique about where you come from? How is it similar or different from Cambodia?
Mexico also has a lot of poor communities where there's a lot of unused talent. There should be more focus on education and opportunities for kids that don't have the money to go to school.

What’s your favorite memory at AP?

The kids' smiles and their stories. They had me laughing the whole time. I was also really impressed by their danger awareness. Sengkry told me not to go to dinner with strangers.