Kathy and Daniela saw career opportunities expand through their education with BYU-Pathway
Kathy Villeda and Daniela Preza have a few things in common: both are new moms who live in El Salvador. But one experience brought them together — flying together to attend their graduation at BYU-Idaho in July of 2022.
Blessings along the way
After Kathy was introduced to BYU-Pathway Worldwide, she became one of the first 20 students in El Salvador to participate. Daniela's mother was also taking BYU-Pathway courses and inspired Daniela to join.
Completing their studies was not always easy, but Kathy and Daniela both felt the Lord helping them along the way. Kathy learned to trust in God’s plan for her and her family as she dealt with losing a baby while balancing her responsibilities.
“My testimony has grown a lot, from my studies, from my self-reliance, from the prophets,” Kathy said. “It’s hard to finish, but I've seen a lot of blessings in my job, my career, and to be self-reliant.”
Daniela shared, “The classes are great. The teachers, the students … were always there to support you. I was never alone. I always felt supported, and I always felt like I was learning more every day.”
Career opportunities expanded
Kathy shared, “Every time I received a certificate, I would receive a salary raise or a new job opportunity because of all of the skills I learned. I would just show my certificates to my boss, [and] he would consider me for another salary raise for the next year.”
Daniela also saw opportunities in her job open up. “Thanks to BYU-Pathway, my English was better, so I was able to get a better position. And right after I graduated, they gave me a leadership position, and my pay doubled.”
Pioneering graduates from El Salvador
Now Kathy and Daniela are the fourth and fifth BYU-Pathway graduates from El Salvador, and the first two graduates from their country to attend graduation in person. Kathy received her bachelor’s degree in
It was exciting for them to celebrate this achievement together and represent their country. “We were together at graduation and it felt great,” Daniela said. They are also both enjoying the blessings of expanding their families, as Daniela and her husband welcomed their first child this year, and Kathy and her husband are expecting their first child.
As Kathy graduated, she saw the fulfillment of part of her patriarchal blessing that told her she would receive opportunities once she completed her education. The day after graduation, she got a call from her workplace offering her a position as senior director. “It’s a blessing from God because I was pursuing my education and following what the prophets have taught us, to continue our education,” she said.
Kathy advises prospective BYU-Pathway students to take the leap of faith. “Many times we're scared of starting something,” Kathy acknowledged. “But the moment we start, the Lord is by our side, and He's not going to let us give up. Persevere to the end, and the Lord will give you the blessings that you need.”