Deury Arturo Villa Espinal

My name is Deury Arturo Villa Espinal, and I was born on May 10, 2007. I am the firstborn in my family, my grandmother's first grandchild, and the oldest of four siblings on my mother's side.

I grew up in a very close-knit family, supported primarily by my maternal family: my grandparents, whom I affectionately call "Papi" and "Mami," and my two aunts, who, along with my mother, who was always present despite her work schedule, helped raise me.

During my childhood, my biological father was absent, so my grandfather filled that special role, becoming the father figure I always needed. Although my relationship with my father has improved over time, it has always been distant, as he has his own family. Despite this, I consider myself a strong person and grateful for the upbringing I received.

I always strived to be a good student. During elementary and high school, I excelled academically, winning several awards. I was fortunate enough to study at the Dominican Joe School Foundation, run by Doña Lidia. I remember a time when I played baseball for two years at Mr. Jay's Baseball Island Foundation, with the goal of earning a scholarship to play in the United States, but I had to quit when my mother suffered a serious accident in which she fractured four bones in her face. I decided to stay home to care for and support her. It wasn't difficult for me to take on that responsibility, since I had learned to look after my siblings from a young age, as my mother worked long hours in the hotel industry, often from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and back again from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Supporting her has been a lifelong commitment. I was also raised in a religious environment. I used to attend church, where I actively participated by playing the congas and the tambora (and a little güira) alongside the musicians. In addition, I was a dancer in both high school and college.

I graduated from high school in 2025 and immediately began my studies at the Technological University of Santiago (UTESA). My family has made an immense effort so that I could be there, and my greatest motivation is to make them proud. I am currently studying Dentistry, a field I am passionate about.

This interest arose from my close interaction with the professionals who treated my mother after her accident. I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Celia, a distinguished maxillofacial surgeon in Las Terrenas, who allowed me to accompany my mother to her appointments. I was very impressed by her professionalism, the organization of her office, and how rewarding this area of ​​healthcare is.

I am currently in my third semester and am deeply grateful to the Milagros Hope Foundation. Thanks to their support, I have been able to continue my academic training, something that, given my family's financial situation, would not have been possible on my own. I sincerely thank Mrs. Lidia and the entire foundation for this wonderful opportunity that allows me to work towards a better future.