A Leap of Faith: Jennyfer's Story

In 2016, Jennyfer migrated from Peru to the United States with a clear vision: to learn English, obtain a higher education, and build a better future. With limited economic prospects back home, she saw the U.S. as a land of opportunity, where she had nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Once here, Jennyfer worked tirelessly in hotels and restaurants, taking on roles in breakfast service, housekeeping, and at the front desk. Initially, she dreamt of working in event planning or human resources within the hospitality industry. She enrolled in English as a second language (ESL) courses at San Mateo Adult School. However, the demands of her work schedule forced her to leave adult school after about six months.

Determined to continue her education, Jennyfer returned to San Mateo Adult School for another semester in 2018. There, a friend encouraged her to take the next step and enroll at the College of San Mateo. At CSM, Jennyfer continued with ESL courses, knowing that mastering English was critical to achieving her goals. There, she met a friend who introduced her to Upward Scholars.

In January 2020, Jennyfer joined Upward Scholars and received much-needed textbook support to continue her studies, though she faced the challenge of balancing work and school. The COVID-19 pandemic brought unexpected hardship when she lost her hotel jobs—but it also presented an opportunity. Jennyfer's roommate ran a daycare out of their apartment. Because Jennyfer was unemployed and studying English, she was able to help her roommate by translating Spanish to English for the parents of the daycare’s children.

Through that experience, Jennyfer began to pursue a career in childcare by taking online childcare courses, completing the NannyPro program at TIFFAN in partnership with Upward Scholars, and working as a nanny to sustain herself and to help working parents during the pandemic. Although she had no prior experience in childcare, she quickly grew to love the work. After years of nannying, one of Jennyfer’s clients decided to move their children to a formal daycare. That was a turning point. With support from her roommate and the guidance of Upward Scholars, Jennyfer began to dream bigger—to take a leap of faith and realize her new dream of opening her own bilingual daycare business.

She diligently chipped away at the licensing requirements and started taking early childhood education (ECE) courses at Skyline College to blend what she had learned in hotel hospitality with her new passion for caring for children. Her focus shifted from serving clients to nurturing young minds. While this shift was challenging, she knew she could rely on Upward Scholars for financial, academic, career development, and holistic support.

As Jennyfer continues to improve her English and pursue studies in early childhood education and business administration, she also prepares to fulfill her dream by opening Rainbow Corner Daycare in September 2024, serving the San Bruno community. Jennyfer says of her journey: "A few years ago, if you told me I would have my own childcare business, I wouldn’t believe you. But in a few short weeks, with Upward Scholars’ critical support, I will start enrolling kids. Words cannot express how excited and blessed I feel to embark on this new journey."