“Every loss leads to an opportunity, and every adversity leads to new possibilities,” is a special adage Noelia Morales confidently stands by. The Masonic Children’s Home alumnus likes to encourage all individuals to use adversity as an opportunity to excel.
When her older brothers, Josh and Nestor, left their home in North Philadelphia to join the children’s home in 2007, Noelia quickly began to feel isolated. On top of the loneliness, she began to experience extreme cases of bullying at the elementary school she attended.
“I had multiple panic attacks, which led me to begging my mom to put me in the children’s home,” Noelia said.
At 8 years old, Noelia’s wishes came true when she reunited with her brothers in 2012. Although the move was scary, she adjusted quickly and began to enjoy the support and companionship she received. Noelia’s feelings of anxiety and loneliness vanished immediately, as the children’s home provided an environment for her to grow and develop into the individual she is today.
Noelia remembers the warm welcoming faces of her houseparents and housemates who made her transition to the children’s home seamless. A new sense of belonging entered Noelia’s young life, allowing her to thrive and connect with those around her.
One of her favorite memories includes Cassie, a housemate who became more like a sister. Noelia and Cassie would wake up extremely early to play with their toys and talk to Mrs. Ruth about her delicious breakfast desserts. This simple, yet adored memory, sticks with Noelia today as she reflects on the relationships formed during her time spent at the children’s home.
“The children’s home has definitely set me up for success,” Noelia said. “Philadelphia did not always have promising education systems, and if I had stayed, I do not believe I would have thought about college.”
After graduating from the children’s home in 2022, Noelia began attending Northampton Community College to pursue a degree in radiography. The support of a new friend group and the study habits formed at the children’s home helped Noelia conquer the challenging first year of college.
“If it wasn’t for Mrs. Doran and Mrs. Hendershot, two of the most amazing tutors I have ever had, I would not have the great study habits I have now helping me through college,” Noelia said.
Currently, Noelia works at St. Luke’s University Hospital, where she serves as a patient observation attendant and a read room liaison. She also works as a sales associate at AutoZone, which has expanded her knowledge and confidence in car maintenance.
When she is not studying or working, Noelia can be found playing with her cat, Manolo, or going on long walks. After college graduation in 2025, she hopes to broaden her knowledge in radiography by continuing her profession at St. Luke’s University Hospital as an X-ray technician. As she advances, Noelia desires to pursue further education in other radiology modalities and work at a larger hospital.
“The children’s home has shaped me in many ways, and I cannot thank them enough,” Noelia said. “They allowed me to grow and develop into the person I am today. I am able to speak for myself, make friends easily and have meaningful conversations.”
Noelia steps into the future with confidence, knowing new opportunities, connections and perspectives wait patiently for her along the way.
About the author: Camdyn Lehman is a public relations associate at Masonic Villages. She is majoring in business administration and minoring in marketing at Eastern University.