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Thalles DeSouza’s journey from working at Wendy’s to preparing for Yale University is a powerful reminder of what can happen when opportunity meets determination.
The 23-year-old was still in high school when he began thinking about leaving his Wendy’s job for construction work. Instead, franchise owners Usama El-Sehrawey and the late Ernest Smily saw potential in him and offered to help fund his education.
Their support eventually covered three years at Cape Cod Community College.
Now, four years later, DeSouza is heading to Yale on a full scholarship.
Thalles DeSouza’s Journey to Yale
DeSouza was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and moved to the United States when he was 13. At the time, he did not speak English.
Despite the language barrier, he worked hard to build a new life and pursue his education.
His path eventually led him to Cape Cod Community College, where he excelled academically. DeSouza earned straight A’s and became student body president.
His achievements also helped open the door to one of America’s most prestigious universities.
Wendy’s Owners Helped Fund His Education
DeSouza’s success was not achieved alone.
While he was still in high school, he worked at Wendy’s and considered moving into construction. However, El-Sehrawey and Smily encouraged him to stay focused on his education.
Rather than simply offering advice, the franchise owners helped make college financially possible.
Their support allowed DeSouza to attend Cape Cod Community College for three years. That opportunity became an important step toward his larger academic goals.
Smily has since died, but DeSouza continues to recognize the impact he and El-Sehrawey had on his life.
DeSouza Is Headed to Yale
Today, DeSouza is preparing for a new chapter at Yale University.
He plans to study political science and human rights while following a pre-law track. His long-term goals build on the determination that helped him overcome challenges after moving to the U.S.
For DeSouza, reaching Yale represents more than an academic achievement. It also reflects the impact of people who were willing to invest in his potential.
“Sometimes all it takes is one person who believes in you,” DeSouza wrote. “I’m living proof of that.”
His story also highlights how meaningful support can change the trajectory of a young person’s life.
From a teenager who arrived in America without speaking English to a college student who earned straight A’s, DeSouza has continued to push forward.
Now, he is taking that determination to Yale.
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