Transforming lives through education
USAID is promoting educational opportunities for youth in the Dominican Republic.
At 19 years old, Jency Fernández, originally from San Felipe de Puerto Plata, is about to begin his second year of college. With emotion, he talks about the career that he has chosen – Food Technology Engineering – and where he is studying, ISA University.
“I love my career because it gives me the opportunity to deepen my understanding of how the manufacturing processes of food products are carried out and how to ensure that they are safe and healthy for people,” says Jency. “In addition, I can innovate and generate new ideas, either improving the features of existing products or creating new products, which gives me the possibility to start my own business later on.”
Although he is now clear about his future and grateful for the opportunities he has received, this was not always the case. Before entering his career, Jency, who was studying at the Eduardo Brito High School in his hometown, faced a crossroads regarding his academic future. He considered following in his mother’s footsteps and study accounting, but felt that he was not ready to enter university right away. Due to these concerns, he considered taking a gap year to clarify his ideas, improve his English, work, save money and help his family.
During this period of contemplation, he learned about USAID and its Higher Education Partnership, in which ISA University is one of the partner institutions. Participating in this initiative gave him the necessary support to access higher education and develop both academically and personally.
My first meeting with USAID was during an information session, where they talked about the importance of continuing higher education and the opportunities that would open up for me when I entered university. Although I had many concerns, everything they said in the activity seemed very interesting to me. I was motivated to participate in the “Pathway to University” Transition Program that they were going to host in my local educational center”, he explains.
Through this program, Jency and other participants received the necessary skills and knowledge to access higher education. This program focuses especially on vulnerable communities, where students’ development opportunities may be limited.
In addition, Jency participated in vocational guidance workshops and study techniques, as well as academic reinforcement and visits to the ISA University campus. While visiting the university, he was able to learn more about his Food Technology Engineering career and listen to the experiences of students who were already studying it.
The passion with which the students talked about the extent of the guidance of the project team deeply impacted me. Thanks to their influence, I finally made the decision to enroll in university,” he highlights.
After entering the university, Jency participated in various retention programs offered by the USAID project, such as "Coaching for Success", "Soft Skills" and "Mental Health Care". Through these programs, Jency acquired tools to better manage his student life, establish efficient schedules, strengthen his communication and leadership, improve his interpersonal relationships, learn emotional self-regulation strategies, among other skills.
Before joining the program, I felt like I could complete my college degree. However, now I feel that I can not only graduate, but also get good grades and manage my schedule effectively to participate in educational, sports and recreational activities while in the university,” Jency tells us. “I believe that after finishing my studies I can achieve much more than I initially thought, not only in the academic field, but also in my personal and professional life.”
The most important thing for Jency is that he can now apply what he has learned to help his peers through the project's Academic Coaching Program. Through this program, he shares his academic knowledge and the study techniques he has acquired with other students to help them to pass their courses. After experiencing a positive personal transformation, Jency finds it crucial to help bring about that same change in other young people.
Those responsible for the program noticed certain abilities in me and invited me to tutor other students. I felt that I had received a gift and wanted to give it to others. Now, as a tutor, I can do my part so that others can also benefit and then, in turn, help others” he indicates.
Jency's story is an inspiring testimony of how the right support and guidance can change a life. Thanks to USAID’s Higher Education Partnership, he discovered his true passion and is on his way to becoming a successful food technology engineer and graduate of ISA University. His experiences show that, despite the challenges that may arise, there are always opportunities to succeed when you have the necessary guidance.
“In the Dominican Republic there are many young people like me who have never considered attending university or who doubt their ability to enter and graduate. That is why projects like this are so important: they help us overcome those barriers. I am deeply grateful to USAID for the opportunity it has given me”, he expresses.
About this story
This story was written by Yaira Portes, Communications Officer at the USAID Higher Education Partnership.