From Wendy’s to Yale: Student wins full scholarship worth over $194,500
Thalles Winner DeSouza, a former Wendy's employee who immigrated from Brazil, has been accepted into Yale University. His former managers provided financial support for his community college education, which served as a stepping stone to his Ivy League acceptance.
Why it matters
The story highlights the impact of mentorship and financial support in overcoming significant socioeconomic barriers to higher education.
A Wendy’s worker who survived a shooting in Brazil is heading to Yale University after his bosses helped him pay for college.Thalles Winner DeSouza, 23, had started working at a Wendy’s restaurant in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, while he was still in high school. As per his Facebook post, his plans at the time were focused on earning money, and he had considered leaving Wendy’s for construction work.It was then when his bosses, Usama El-Sehrawey and the late Ernest Smily, encouraged him to stay and continue his education. They eventually helped fund his studies at Cape Cod Community College, an opportunity DeSouza says changed the direction of his life.Four years after receiving that support, DeSouza has been accepted into Yale University.
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