‘Catholic Charities Programs are an Opportunity to Change your Life:’ Luis’ Story

This is Part IV of an ongoing series highlighting Catholic Charities Boston’s growing IT and Cybersecurity programs, in light of September being Workforce Development Month.

“I’ll never forget my dad called me and said you have to get out of the country. You have to disappear. If not, they will come for you.”

Luis Marin, a graduate of El Centro’s Information Technology class and currently an instructor for El Centro’s Introduction to Networks class, was just 23 years old when he was forced to flee his native country of Nicaragua and move to the United States, knowing no English. Having shared a Facebook livestream of a heated political protest happening near his college campus, Luis caught the attention of communist parties in Nicaragua, who were determined to outlaw all forms of independent media and journalism.

With no plan and no family in the United States, Luis said his primary goal was to get by and find a job that didn’t require him to speak English.

“I didn’t expect to attend college or be where I am today when I came to this country,” said Luis. “I thought I would just work, work, work. I thought maybe I would wash dishes because I didn’t know the language.”

Discovering El Centro’s ESOL and coding class, however, gave Luis the agency to take control of his life; today, he is fluent in English and on track to earn a Cybersecurity and Forensics degree from Bridgewater State University, thanks to an El Centro scholarship.

As Luis’ English-speaking skills grew stronger, he said Marianna encouraged him to apply to a 6-month program called Cyber Warriors, funded by a competitive El Centro grant.

“I thought to myself I don’t know anything about cybersecurity, but at that point, I was up for any opportunity. During that time, I focused only on studying. I ate food, I slept, and I studied.”

Luis’ dedication as a student paid off, providing him the opportunity to serve as an IT intern at Catholic Charities last year, before more recently becoming the instructor of El Centro’s new Introduction to Networks class, which launched this summer.

“El Centro is almost like a train,” said Luis. “If you get on, it will take you where you want to go, but you have to be willing to take the opportunities first. Catholic Charities programs are an opportunity to change your life.”

Luis can’t help but smile when he reflects on his journey. What began as the most turbulent period of his life led him to discover his passion for cybersecurity and find a community in Boston.

Last year, after four years away from his family, Luis’ parents and sister received parole and joined him in the United States, where they now live.

“I am so grateful,” Luis said.

To read more about Catholic Charities Boston’s Workforce Development programs, click here.

To find out how you can support Catholic Charities’ students and clients in need, visit our Ways to Give page.