Flor Tzaj is a freshman at the University of Minnesota, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Public Health. She was born in Tecpán, Chimaltenango, Guatemala, and raised by her mother, a housewife, and her father, a factory worker. Flor, the youngest daughter among eight siblings, has a journey of resilience, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to education.
At the age of nine, Flor earned a scholarship to study in Guatemala City at Esperanza Juvenil, a private NGO school. Living away from her family, she became a resident student, an experience that shaped her independence and academic ambitions. With the guidance of teachers and mentors, Flor graduated from elementary, middle, and high school with honors, consistently ranking first in her class. One of her most memorable achievements was introducing Nobel Peace Prize laureate Rigoberta Menchú at a leadership conference. Additionally, serving as class president throughout middle and high school allowed Flor to develop a strong understanding of leadership and community engagement.
After graduating in 2022, Flor worked as an English teaching assistant, helping new students who spoke a Mayan language as their primary language. She found fulfillment in bridging language barriers and supporting their academic growth. She also worked as a fundraising assistant, gaining valuable experience in event planning, public speaking, and marketing. These roles expanded her understanding of social impact and community-driven change.
In 2023, Flor’s achievements were recognized on a broader scale when her story was highlighted as a “success story” by the board members of Luis Von Ahn’s organization, the founder of Duolingo. This recognition underscored her dedication, perseverance, and ability to inspire others.
Flor takes great pride in her cultural heritage. Her first language is Spanish, and she also understands Kaqchikel, a Mayan language spoken by her family. She started learning English in elementary school and is currently studying Italian at the University of Minnesota. For Flor, language learning is not just a skill but a bridge to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and share her rich cultural traditions.
Looking ahead, Flor is dedicated to making a lasting impact. Her long-term goal is to become a professional in Psychology and Public Health, focusing on mental and physical well-being in her community, family, and country. She envisions a future where mental health is prioritized as a tool for personal growth, and she hopes to build a network of changemakers who empower and uplift others.