Once Upon A Time in Peru
A quick chat with PA Mentee, Carlos, where he shares his stories about life back home in Peru, insights into his application process, journey of moving to UC Berkeley this fall, and experience with Project Access!
Congratulations on getting into your dream university! Tell us a bit about yourself, your course and how you feel.
Hi! My name is Carlos Ganoza, and I will be a first-generation incoming freshman at UC Berkeley. Being the youngest of three siblings, I was born into a multicultural family amidst jungle and highlands backdrops.
I will major in Environmental Sustainable Design at UC Berkeley this fall and primarily intend to pursue a second major in Economics. My interest in environmental sustainability began during my stay in South Africa when I was volunteering at the Oranjezicht City Farm Market under the supervision of Tilting Future.
During my time there, I learned how to convert a dry, desolate, and rough environment into a fruitful one through various theoretical and hands-on experiences. Plus, I was so intrigued by the use of natural resources, like running water and solar arrays, that it inclined me towards this field.
How was your experience of applying to a university abroad?
Basically, the Peruvian application process to secure a spot at a university involves applying to a specific institution (either public or private) and waiting for an acceptance. The difference between the two lies in the difficulty level; private universities tend to be easier to be accepted into, owing to their higher monthly fees.
I was offered a full scholarship to study at a private university in Peru. However, due to personal concerns regarding teaching methodology, professionalism, course offerings, and a couple of others, I made a decision to decline the offer and take a risk with my future!
My US application process began at the start of 2022. I got involved in some webinars, and throughout 2022 and 2023, I focused on improving my profile by winning prizes, volunteering, and joining non-profit organisations.
How did you find out about Project Access in this process?
Well, one of my friends who got accepted into UC San Diego sent me their resume, which I intended to use as a model for mine. While I was going over its structure, I noticed the mention of Project Access as "helping with free guidance."
So, I googled Project Access. It turned out to be a free mentorship program for students worldwide.
Unfortunately, due to a high number of mentees, I was unable to be assigned a mentor. However, this did not stop me from seeking help from the mentors. I respectfully reached out to them with some inquiries and requests, which were well received.
By the end of 2023, I received help from Project Access mentors with my supplemental essays. They not only provided me with valuable guidance on writing these essays but also were kind enough to proofread my essays for about 12 universities. The best part was their willingness to review my essays as many times as needed, with the understanding that this would take some time.
Have you faced any language, financial, or cultural barriers in your application process? And do you think you might continue to face them during your studies?
Growing up in Peru is like rolling a dice; it might turn out well - or not.
Be that as it may, I would not say that I felt particularly bad about the place where I was brought up. I grew up on the outskirts of Peru, where limitations are evident - such as a lack of job opportunities, education investment, wildlife care, and so on. However, this exposure not only made me aware of this reality but also taught me to leverage every opportunity I encountered.
With not much financial support in my family, I quickly had to transition from a carefree childhood to a heightened self-awareness. This very shift has earned me many scholarships, including attending one of Peru’s most prestigious high schools, obtaining the International Baccalaureate (IB), securing sponsors for my education, and travelling to South Africa to learn about human rights (where I concurrently improved my English language), among other achievements.
While we hope Project Access made this process easier for you, we’d love to know if you found anything particularly helpful!
Oh, actually there were a few people who really made this process much easier, like Taran, Beverly, Popp, and Lorenzo. It wasn't just about proofreading or guidance; sometimes it was about talking about other things, which often allowed me to open up.
“What do I love the most about PA? It’s transparency. There aren’t many non-profits like it, truly dedicated to the collective good.”
I used to think that the 'Once upon a time...' line only led to happy endings in fairytales, but I’m grateful to have found my own. And so, ‘they all lived happily ever after' in my own story!
And may I add something from the person who inspired me to fight for my dreams? “Muchas gracias afición, esto es para vosotros: SIUUUUUUU!” (Spanish: Literally translates to ‘Thank you very much fans, this is for you: SIUUUUUUU!’). While this might not mean a lot in “meaning”, it does mean a lot to me symbolically.