My name is Mateo. I was born on July 6, 2017, in the department of Granada, Nicaragua. I am 9 years old and I am in third grade of primary school. I live with my mom Regina, my dad Antonio, and my three siblings: Mesut, María, and Johan.

When I am at home, I help my mom sweep the yard because I really like helping her. Then I do my homework from school, and once I finish, I go out to play with my brothers. I have always been afraid of the dark, and it makes me very sad to be alone at home.

What makes me happiest is spending time with my family because we always have more fun together. At home, I feel very good and comfortable because I get to be with my mom and my brothers.

I have many friends I love spending time with — Jeffry, Mateo, José, Brisa, and Derek. Every time my parents go to work, I stay with my grandma, who tells me many stories from her past. She makes me laugh a lot, hugs me, and gives me candy.

My grandma always asks me about my favorite things. My favorite colors are blue and red. She always cooks my favorite meal, which is fried chicken, and lets me play Candy Crush on her phone. We also watch my favorite movie together, “Hacksaw Ridge.” My favorite sport is soccer, and my favorite animal is the dog.

I love going to the Escudo Learning Center because I spend time with my friends, and my favorite teacher, Bruno, always makes me laugh and tells me I am very smart and cheerful. When I grow up, I want to be a professional soccer player.