The Scholars - Year 1

Anderson Arauz

My name is Anderson Arauz and I am 22 years old. I study at the University of Panama where I am finishing my 3rd year of an Undergraduate degree that is also in English. I am a very friendly and sociable person. Being that I am very accepting of people just as they are helps make that task a lot easier. I also try my best to aid any of my friends or family in all that is within my reach.

On my free time I like to go out with my friends and participate in extreme sports such as rappelling or river rafting, anything healthy and exciting really.

Anayansi Santamaria

Hi! My name is Anayansi Mercedes Santamaría Aguilar. I was born on February 28, 1993 and I’m 21 years old. I was born and raised in Colon, a province of Panama, and I am currently living there with my parents and my older brother. I studied my school years in La Salle and I graduated in 2010. I am currently studying my BA in English and I am a senior. I like to dance folk music and I belong to a local folk dancing group. I have been dancing for the last 12 years of my life and I hope to continue doing it!

Adrian Sanchez

My name is Adrian Sanchez, 23, and I had the wonderful opportunity of traveling to the United States and spend two and a half months in total English immersion. At present I am a senior student of English, and this experience enriched and empowered my life beyond belief. The most outstanding part of this adventure was the continuous cultural exchange we had in Murray being in direct contact with the language.

One of the greatest lessons learned in the United States is that education opens many doors as long as you are prepared to take advantage of the opportunities life offers.

Leibys Quintero

Hello! My name is Leibys Quintero, and I am a senior at the University of Panama. My family is from Chitre, Herrera, a rural town in Panama. I've had a passion for English at a young age, which led to specialize in English when I got to college. I recognize the importance of English language learning, and I hope to use these skills to get a good job to provide for me and my little son, Aaron!

On my spare time, I enjoy reading, cooking, and organizing special gatherings for my friends.

Julio Moreno

I am Julio Moreno. I am 21 years old. I like to play the guitar and hang out with my friends. I love my family and studying English. I'm from San Carlos, a rural town outside of Panama City. I live with my parents and my two siblings. We don't have much, but our house abounds with love! My major is English and I hope to be a good teacher at the University of Panama. My dream is to travel to United States to get a master in Linguistics.

Professor Apolinar Torres

Apolinar Torres Gonzalez was born in La Chorrera town, Province of Panama, on May 18, 1968. In La Chorrera, he spent all his childhood and teenager's life. He entered Naciones Unidas Elementary School in 1975 and finished it in 1980. Then, he moved to Moises Castillo O. High School, which he finished in 1986 and obtained a high school certificate in bilingual accounting. After high school, he got a scholarship to study in the former Soviet Union, where he studied from 1987 to 1993. In the SU he obtained a Bachelor's Degree in English and Russian, and a Master's Degree in foreign languages teaching. After his university studies he moved back to Panama, where he worked for the Education Department as a full time teacher from 1995 to 2012.  He also worked for the Universidad de Panama as a part-time teacher from 1996 to 2012.  Currently, he works for the Universidad de Panama as a full time professor. He is the chaperone for the Scholors during their stay in the United States.