Milena’s Dream: Helping the World See BVM Scholarship Recipient Becomes an Optometrist

Scholarship recipient Milena Izquierdo masters the tools that shape her future as an optometrist.

by Kari Litscher

Milena Izquierdo’s path to becoming an optometrist is a story shaped by determination, family, and the generosity of others. A recipient of multiple Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Scholarships for Women, Milena’s journey is proof of the power of education and community support. Her BVM sponsorship, provided by Annie Credidio, BVM, who founded Damien House in Ecuador, helped Milena navigate higher education and the financial hurdles it brings.

Milena’s connection with Annie and Damien House started through her grandmother, who suffers from Hansen’s (Leprosy) disease. Damien House provides around-the-clock care for residents and free medical help to poverty-stricken outpatients.

Milena’s grandmother has been a resident there for many years. During Milena’s visits to see her grandmother, she met Annie. Over time, Annie’s support expanded beyond helping her grandmother to include helping Milena—supporting her in her goal of attending college and becoming an optometrist.

The Power of Scholarships
Milena reflects on how the BVM scholarships she received allowed her to continue her studies. “I remember the day I received the news as if it were yesterday. It was a moment of immense joy and excitement . . . thanks to the BVM Community, I could continue my studies without the heavy financial burden that worried me so much.”

With the help of BVM scholarships, Milena attended classes and completed her degree at Universidad Técnica de Babahoyo. For her, BVM support was more than just a financial boost—it was a reminder of the people who believe in her and in her future.

Volunteering and Finding Her Passion
Volunteering at Damien House played a pivotal role in Milena’s personal and professional growth, giving her an early understanding of the importance of serving others, especially those who are often overlooked. Her commitment to service continued while studying at university, where she created a group that visited the elderly in a home near campus. Milena saw this as an opportunity not only to apply what she was learning but also to encourage her classmates to value the importance of personal connections in care.

Making a Difference in Her Community
Milena’s passion for helping others extends to her work with children. While in school, she organized free eye exams for children in rural communities. Milena recognized a need for basic eye care in these underserved areas, and with her growing knowledge as an optometry student, she sought to address that gap.
Because many children don’t have access to simple eye exams which can affect their learning and development, Milena wanted to offer something practical that could help these children succeed.

Looking Ahead
Annie, who has been a constant source of support for Milena, is proud to see how far she has come. “I greatly admire the inner strength that Milena has developed and the high expectations that she has for herself. I know that she will continue to achieve her goals . . . this is one of the greatest strengths of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Scholarship for Women as we can see young women blossom before our eyes and receive the profound sense of inspiration as they are a part of a larger generational shift.”

Now graduated, Milena plans to continue her work with underserved communities, providing eye care and support to those who need it most. Her life reveals the impact that education, mentorship, and a desire to give back can have on a person’s life.

Milena hopes to be a role model for others in her hometown and beyond, showing that even small actions can lead to big changes in the world. Milena shares, “From the bottom of my heart, I am infinitely grateful for your kindness. Your support has transformed my life and has allowed me to dream big . . . I promise to honor your generosity by working hard and being an example for others.”

This story was featured in:

Summer 2025: Celebrating 50 Years of Salt

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