​My name is Juan Ignacio Lalama and I am 17 years old. I was born on April 2nd, 2001 in Quito, Ecuador. I have lived in this incredible country for almost my entire life, except for a period of three years when I went to live to El Salvador, a small but beautiful place in the west of Central America. Living in El Salvador has been one of the greatest experiences in my life. It helped me grow as a person and learn to not be afraid at anything that comes in the way. My time there helped me become a more easy-going person and learn to create bonds with the people I meet. I am the middle child of 3 brothers. My older brother is called Jose Maria, and my youngest sibling Joaquin. We have always been really close to one another as we come from a really close family. My dad’s name is George and my mother is called Maria Belen. My family has shaped me into who I am today, and all the values that I have, and use every day, I have learned from them. My family is the most important thing in my life.
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​Ever since I was little I have enjoyed helping others. I truly believe that being able to cause happiness to someone else by doing small and big things to help them is one of the greatest qualities a person can have. I have always tried to be kind and generous to others, no matter who it is. Since I was little I’ve liked community service. I have participated in another project called: “Un techo para mi país”, in which people build houses for those in need, in less developed sectors of our country.  I specifically like this project because we are able to help people of all ages, who have a real need for help, and are isolated from everything. Knowing that you caused a smile in another person’s face is a great satisfaction to me, and this is something that happens quite often in Lagartococha. I joined this project because, when introduced to it, the first thought in my mind was that I could actually make a real impact not only in the lives of the children, but also the adults who live there. It has been an immense joy to be a part of this incredible team, in helping the people from Lagartococha.