It is crazy to think how fast time has flown these past four years at the University of San Diego. It seems as if only yesterday I was writing my first update for my semester having moved to California. Life has been everything but predictable this past year and continues to unfold in tremendous ways. Having recently moved to downtown Manhattan, I am finding my footing in the city’s energetic environment and adjusting to this new chapter in my life. I began working for Housecall Pro in early July. As a leading technology company for home service businesses, the company has been serving as a great introduction into the workforce with consistent daily challenges. In conjunction with my full-time job, I am a candidate for a Master’s of Science in Supply Chain Management at the University of San Diego, the same university I received my undergraduate degree in International Business from. My decision to pursue further education has enabled me to continue expanding my knowledge in a very prevalent field with applications across various industries. Merging my newfound knowledge in the technological space with the intricacies of supply chain management is allowing for a greater understanding of the next steps I will be taking in my career. The position I hold today would have only been a dream without the generous aid MVYouth provided. I am thankful for the doors that MVYouth has opened for me, and am eager to contribute to this incredible organization in the future. Thank you for everything!
JP Alves - University of San Diego
Without a doubt, this past fall semester has been the best few months of my life. Having decided to spend the first half of my senior year in Spain turned out to be a life changing experience I will cherish forever. Madrid exceeded any expectation that I could have placed on studying abroad, and I am certain it will not be my last time living there.
Studying international business took a whole new form once I was physically living abroad, absorbing the vibrant European culture. Living with an incredible family who took me in as their son only added immensely to my immersion into Spain. Along with my classes in Madrid, I was also fortunate enough to work as an intern for a Spanish investment company called The Venture City. I cannot thank them enough for all they have taught me, both about the work being done by the firm, but also relating to the customs and formalities of European business. Following my rigorous class and work schedule proved to be most rewarding when I could connect with my coworkers and professors in their own language.
As a DACA student, studying abroad is an extremely complex process. There are numerous risks involved when leaving the country with only the safety of a DACA travel document, which can end up being fallible. Assuming this uncertainty, I still considered myself lucky to be fulfilling one of my biggest dreams of going to Europe. Although it was unpredictable at times, I thankfully arrived safe and sound back home. I have nothing but gratitude for the MVYouth community who converted my dream into a reality. With the support of my family and from the MVYouth scholarship, I am now as confident as ever in a seamless transition into my future international business career.
JP Alves - University of San Diego
This past year has been unlike any other. Coming off of an entirely virtual academic semester and restarting classes in-person has beckoned a new wave of adaptability, which was completely unforeseen. I was eager to return to classrooms and live life a bit more the way we were all used to before the pandemic, and fortunately, the entire San Diego community feels the same! There are more opportunities than ever, and I have definitely made the most of them. My most recent endeavor has been joining the professional business fraternity on campus, Delta Sigma Pi, which has enhanced my knowledge of the commercial world and introduced me to the vast field of business. DSP has exposed me to the extensive career paths one can take when searching for a profession that fits best.
Throughout classes, internships, and seminars, I have been settling into the idea of pursuing an international career path within business law. I am grateful for the numerous opportunities for internships here in San Diego because so many career paths can be explored, and I am counting on staying here throughout next summer to keep working towards my professional goals. Thankfully, the University of San Diego offers an incredible study abroad opportunity for semester programs, which I intend to take advantage of next fall. The international aspect of my future career is vital and studying abroad will further my comprehension of the global business environment. There is no doubt in my mind that MVYouth is to thank for all my dreams coming true. I am incredibly grateful for the support I receive from this magnificent organization and will continue to work hard to one day give back to this philanthropy that has so generously helped me.
JP Alves - University of San Diego
My sophomore year at the University of San Diego has been like nothing I have ever experienced before. Maneuvering life far away from home is an arduous task in itself, and adding a pandemic into that equation makes it an entirely different experience. Attending classes through online video chatting was something I have never thought I would have been doing, and I am extremely grateful for the school’s smooth transition from in-person classes to Zoom. I have been fortunate enough to have been able to remain living in San Diego while I attended every class on Zoom, although the campus remains mostly closed. The adjustment to virtual classes became much easier over time, and I have my professors to thank for that. My growing passions for foreign languages and international affairs have been able to flourish even amidst all the chaos that the coronavirus brings. I am thankful for the patience and diligence shown by my professors in each course I enrolled in, I have learned so much from them. Although the clubs and organizations I am a part of have been moved online, the professors were creative and all the while engaging. All my academic interests are still able to be explored within this online setting. I have been applying to several internships here in California where I have found many opportunities to expand my knowledge of international affairs throughout this upcoming semester and also the summer. I plan on continuing my studies in foreign languages as well, there are various language immersion programs available which would significantly allow me to improve my skills. Above all the positive aspects of my first semester sophomore year, I have MVYouth to thank as my greatest benefactor. None of this would have been possible without the immense generosity from this astounding organization and all its donors, and for that I am forever grateful.
JP Alves - University of San Diego
Over the past four months, I have come to understand that moving across the country and attending the University of San Diego was not only my best decision but one that will continue to positively shape my life. In what feels like a very short amount of time, I have been afforded great privileges; I have made lasting memories, attended classes that peak my curiosity, and received exposure to dedicated and brilliant professors. In the past semester, I took six classes. Although I was apprehensive about this heavy course load as a first-semester freshman, I was assured by my family, friends, counselors, and professors that I would receive the support I needed as long I put in the hard work. That is something I have come to deeply appreciate. The school will always meet you “halfway”, if not all the way. I took a variety of different classes including calculus, microeconomics, and psychology. One of my favorite experiences was my three-hour psych lecture. Although three hours of any class might seem dreadful for some, the professor was able to present the information in intriguing and rich ways that made the content mean something to me. The small class sizes ensured that each student was able to ask questions and feel heard in seminars. USD also has a fantastic language department and I in no way hesitated to take advantage of this offering. The Italian course I took solidified all the knowledge of the language that I knew while teaching me so much more. Overall, my experience here has been unmatched. I am left with only admiration and gratitude for this opportunity I have been provided with. I truly hope to continue to make many more memories and challenge my thinking in new and thrilling ways.