Each time Few for Change encounters José Manuel Sire, we see him do amazing things.
In February 2017, we first met José Manuel at Few for Change’s annual scholarship ceremony. He was only 12 years old, but he improvised a speech to introduce himself and express his gratitude for the opportunity to continue his studies. Watch José Manuel’s heartfelt speech below:
That short speech was the first of many that we would witness José give. Four years later, in November 2021, we very proudly tuned in online to watch José Manuel participate as one of 15 finalists in Panama's national public speaking competition. Upon returning to the Comarca after the competition, he was honored by the mayor and representatives from five townships in the Nole Duima District of the Comarca.
“We know that education and hard work are what will change our Comarca.”
José representing his community, Cerro Iglesia, in Panama’s national public speaking competition as a 17-year-old high school student in Fall 2021.
José gives a speech at his high school graduation in 2022.
In December 2022 José Manuel graduated high school at the top of his class. He was awarded a scholarship to study abroad and decided to go to the U.S., where he is attending a 5-year program in New Jersey at Rowan University. Rowan has expanded their international program to include a new relationship with the Panamanian government that brings dozens of Panamanians, including José Manuel, to their Glassboro, NJ campus.
José Manuel travelled to the United States in May 2023 to begin one year of intensive English studies followed by four years of Biomedicine. Although his scholarship pays for his classes and housing, a Few for Change scholarship provides him with additional support to help navigate living in a foreign country. Below is an update from José Manuel on his first five months attending university in the United States:
My Experience Studying in the United States
My name is José Manuel Sire and today I want to share my experience of studying in the United States. From the moment I received the news that I would study in the United States, a once-in-a-lifetime experience began.
The first step towards my trip was to meet all the necessary requirements to travel to the United States. This included the visa application and other documents. Once I arrived at the university, adapting to the living conditions was the most challenging but as the days went by I managed to adapt to many things, such as class schedules and things like that. But what impresses me most about the university is that diversity is one of the most outstanding aspects, as I have had the opportunity to meet people from different cultures, languages and traditions. This allows me to learn something new every day and share experiences with people from different parts of the world.
Studying in the United States has also allowed me to visit different places and learn more about American culture, as I have also visited museums and cities. Every moment that passes is an opportunity to get to know and connect with the environment. On the other hand, academic quality and the professors at my university are something that I really admire.
For this reason, I consider that studying here in the United States is a nice experience which I have been personally living since I arrived at the university. I hope to meet many more people and create new bonds of friendship and I also hope to visit other places, which I have not been able to go to, in the coming months. But above all, I am willing to live and enjoy all the experiences that the university can offer me.
Written by José Manuel Sire
Translated from Spanish to English by Abigail Outterson
One of our Few for Change members Tim Soo visiting Jose at university
In his 2017 speech, José Manuel said, “We know that education and hard work are what will change our Comarca.”
We couldn’t agree more.
