Julison Mendonca

From Manaus, Brazil

Highschool: IAE - Instituto Adventista de Ensino

Class of 2018
Future Alma Mater:
Andrews University
http://andrews.edu

Independent Student of the Day

Julison Mendonca is pursuing his bachelor's degree at Andrews University in biology and chemistry.  Julison's path to Andrews has been a winding road and he is enjoying the opportunity to challenge himself on many levels while at Andrews. 

Born in Manaus, in the heart of Brazil's Amazon forest, Julison has always been curious about the world. He enjoys knowing how things work, the secrets of nature, the stars, and math. Due to financial needs in his family, Julison had to start work early, at 13 years old. He received a scholarship to go to high school in São Paulo, nearly 2,000 miles away from home. At the same time he started an internship in information technology, and that's where he fell in love with computers. Julison graduated high school in 1993 and started to work as a programmer. By 2003, Julison had his own software development company and provided service for a few customers, together with his brother.

In 2014, Julison packed his bags and set off for a new challenge. He moved with his family to Berrien Springs, MI to complete his bachelor's degree at Andrews University, while continuing to run his company. These are very busy days, but Julison enjoys every class and is doing his best to learn and to suceed in academics.

Julison loves to read, mainly biographies or neuroscience books, and also enjoys expanding his knowledge through online courses. To stay healthy, Julison plays basketball and tennis.


My motivation

I am curious about almost everything, and always want to challenge myself to keep learning. I want to help people suffering with injustice.

My latest accomplishments

My last accomplishment was to go back to school. It was a long-awaited dream that has finally come true.

Next big goal

My next big goal is to finish my undergraduate studies and go to graduate school. My ultimate goal is use my skills and knowledge to serve as many people as I can.

Why is choosing your own path important?

Every person in this world should be on top of his own decisions, because, after all, we are ultimately responsible for the consequences of the choices we've made. We must have courage to follow own our path, set a clear goal, facing every challenge that appears, and get there. God gives the resources: our brain, our families and friends, and our life, to do the best we can.

Favorite place on campus

The Science Complex

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