The Inspiring Story of Dereck Valentine

At Propella, we are passionate about helping student-athletes find life-changing academic and athletic opportunities. Today we share the story of Dereck Valentine, a young man from Guápiles, Costa Rica, who managed to achieve his academic and sports dreams thanks to our service for obtaining sports scholarships in the United States.

A Journey of Dreams and Efforts

Dereck always dreamed of playing soccer at the highest level and obtaining a career that would allow him a stable future. Thanks to his talent, determination and the support of Propella, he was admitted to the University of San Francisco (USF), where he was part of the football team for four years. During that time, he not only shone on the playing field, but also built a solid academic foundation in Architecture, a passion that had accompanied him since he was young.

Today, Dereck is a successful graduate and works at Singular Buildings, a renowned construction company in San Francisco that allows you to combine your knowledge in Architecture with your practical experience in the sector.

To learn more about your experience, we interviewed Derek and we asked him what his journey was like and what Propella's support meant to him. This is what he told us:

How did Propella help you achieve your goals at USF?
“Propella helped me a lot by providing me with the options of different scholarships in different places in the USA so I could choose which was the best option for me.”
What did you like most and least about being a student-athlete?
“What I liked the most was the treatment and the facilities they give you to be able to lead a successful sports and academic career. Plus the great people you get to meet from all over the world.”
What was the biggest challenge you faced during your college years and how did you overcome it?
“The biggest challenge has been pursuing a degree in Architecture and at the same time being an athlete. “I got through it by putting extra effort and being very well organized with the most important things.”
What was your experience with the OPT program after graduating or what can you tell us about it?

 “The OPT program is very good because it allowed me to test all the things I learned at university, plus it gives you an opportunity to see what professional life in the USA is like.”

What does working at Singular Buildings mean to you now?
“Working at Singular Builders has been a very good experience to learn more about professional life and put into practice what I studied. “One more step for my career.”
What plans do you have for the future in your career and on a personal level?
“This is another step in my career that brings me closer and helps me improve my experience as an architectural designer and project engineer.”

Dereck's story is a testament to what can be achieved with the right guidance and a willingness to work hard. At Propella, we strive to connect student-athletes with unique opportunities abroad that allow them to grow academically and athletically—or both. His experience shows that, with the right mindset and the adequate support, dreams can become reality.

And you, Do you want to write your own success story abroad? Contact us! At Propella, we are ready to advise you and accompany you on the path to your sporting and academic goals.