By Allison Hamby-Allen
“One must work and dare if one really wants to live.”
— Vincent Van Gogh
At just 14, Allan left his home in Guatemala, where he had lived with his mother and brothers, speaking only Spanish. Born in the United States, he returned to Guatemala as an infant but made the journey back alone, boarding a plane to stay with extended family.
Now a 17-year-old high school senior, Allan recalls that moment as a turning point. “I felt like it was a new life, a new location, an opportunity to have a fresh start,” he said. “When I got on the plane by myself to America, I told myself, ‘It’s going to be hard. I need to think positive.’”
That mindset has served Allan well. Before coming to Methodist Children’s Home (MCH) in the fall of 2024, he faced significant challenges, moving between family members and friends. He eventually connected with MCH through a partnership with The Cove, a local nonprofit serving youth experiencing homelessness.
“He had every obstacle in front of him — language barriers, homelessness, instability,” said Shannon Montgomery, his youth care counselor. “And look at what he has accomplished.”
Other staff also see the positive attitude in Allan on a daily basis. “Since meeting Allan, he has continually amazed me with his positive outlook,” said Sarah Dodds, his case manager.
Although nervous when he first arrived at MCH, Allan quickly adapted. He loved the beautiful location of the campus and everyone treated him well when he arrived. “I try to see the good in people and not focus on the bad,” he said. “At MCH, I’ve learned that there are good people who help me financially and emotionally. I’ve learned that people can be diverse and still love each other.”
Allan remains committed to his goals. In his room, he keeps a board filled with aspirations. “Seeing my goals every day makes them more real to me,” he said. “I put projects on my board that will help me be a better person. When I complete one, I take it down and make room for something new.”
His board includes improving his English, maintaining good grades, reading the Bible and other books, exercising, and preparing for college. Allan plans to study interior design after graduating in May with excellent grades.
“I discovered interior design last year through a friend, and it surprised me how much I enjoyed it,” Allan said. “It allows me to express myself, and I fell in love with it.”
He also taught himself to paint and admires Van Gogh’s work. “I’m inspired by small things. I want to help people see ordinary objects in a new light,” he said.
Allan’s passion for design is evident in his living space. He keeps his room immaculate, a value instilled by his mother. “Starting each day in a clean space helps me feel each day is a new start,” he said.
Montgomery agrees. “His room is always perfect. He takes great pride in it, and the fact that it is his room. He is always appreciative of everything I do for him,” she said. “He often fights back tears when thanking me.”
Allan’s future is bright, and he is eager to take the next steps, making plans that are both exciting and practical. “I’m most excited about getting a job, starting small, and working my way up,” he said. “I want to support myself, live independently, and continue building my craft.”
Dodds is confident in Allan and his future. “He will achieve what he sets his mind to. He consistently sets specific goals and has successfully accomplished them since his arrival at MCH,” she said.
Before launching into his next chapter, Allan looks forward to an important milestone: a much-anticipated visit this summer to see his family in Guatemala for the first time since his solitary flight at age 14.
While he misses home, he remains grateful for the opportunities ahead. As he takes his next steps, he will continue to receive support from MCH through the Independent Living Program, ensuring he has the resources he needs to thrive.
“I give thanks to MCH because my path wasn’t easy before I came here. Now, MCH has set me up for a bright future, and I’m very grateful,” he said.
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