Hugo's Path Forward

Before participating in Las Ventajas de Permanecer en el Colegio from JA Spain, Hugo didn’t have a clear idea of what he wanted to do in the future. Career paths felt abstract and distant, and while he enjoyed learning, he hadn’t yet found anything that truly sparked direction.

But Hugo found inspiration in Julio, a volunteer from American Express. He admired how knowledgeable Julio was and how naturally he connected with the students. “We found him to be quite nice, and I think we all liked him very much.”

Hugo vividly remembered the way Julio talked about opportunities, about choosing a path that aligns with one’s strengths and about approaching the future with intention. “He told us to look at the opportunities around us and choose what best suits us.” That perspective stayed with him long after the session ended.

Hearing directly from someone working in the professional world helped Hugo understand adulthood in a new way. Adults, he explained, can help students see “what life is like for an adult, like what they have to do from day to day.” Sharing their stories allow young people to see themselves as an adult. Through Julio, Hugo began to see that careers aren’t abstract, but that they are real paths shaped by choices, challenges, and opportunities.

Hugo still doesn’t know exactly what job he’ll pursue, but he now dreams with more clarity. In five years, he imagines himself studying at university. If he had to choose today, he said, “I would probably go for journalism, especially sports journalism, because I like the topic of sports.”

Looking back, Hugo wouldn’t change anything about the JA experience: “The program was really good.” In just two sessions, he felt the significant impact of a volunteer who broadened his understanding of what’s possible and helped him see his future with new eyes.

Whatever Hugo’s path may be, he knows he has the power to shape it.