Topic overview
In brief
- Thalles Winner DeSouza worked at Wendy's in Cape Cod while finishing high school.
- His bosses, Usama El-Sehrawey and Ernest Smily, promised to fund his college education if he stayed at Wendy's.
- DeSouza's acceptance into Yale University represents a life-changing opportunity and highlights the importance of believing in oneself.
Summary
In Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Thalles Winner DeSouza, a 23-year-old former Wendy's employee, experienced a significant transformation in his life due to the generosity of his employers. DeSouza, who emigrated from Brazil in 2016, was working at Wendy's while finishing high school. During his senior year, he expressed his intention to leave the job for construction work, believing it would provide better financial support for his college aspirations. However, his bosses, Usama El-Sehrawey and Ernest Smily, had a different plan in mind. They encouraged him to stay at Wendy's and promised to help fund his college education. They devised a plan to set aside extra money for every hour he worked, which ultimately led to DeSouza being able to attend Yale University. This opportunity not only changed his educational path but also shifted his perspective on his potential and future. DeSouza plans to major in political science with a minor in human rights, reflecting his aspirations to make a difference in the world. His acceptance into Yale was a moment of joy, celebrated with his family, who proudly wore Yale merchandise. DeSouza emphasized the importance of believing in oneself and the impact that one person's faith can have on another's life. He expressed gratitude for the support he received from his bosses, highlighting that their investment in people is what truly stands out about them. This story serves as an inspiring reminder of how mentorship and support can change lives and open doors to new opportunities.