From Darkness to Light: Carolina’s Story

When Carolina de Souza from Brazil had to come home early from her mission due to anxiety and depression, she felt she had reached rock-bottom. On top of struggling with her mental health, she felt lost in her career as a teacher. “I already had a degree, but my mental health made me realize how much I did not enjoy [teaching]. It just didn’t click.”

Carolina wasn’t sure what to do next. But a simple email offered her a new option.

A fresh start

Before her mission, Carolina had taken one BYU-Pathway course. After her mission, she received an email offering her the Returned Missionary Scholarship , which gives a 25% tuition discount to recently returned missionaries. She could continue with BYU-Pathway and pick up where she had left off! It was the opportunity she needed to begin again.

Carolina took her first class in the family and human services degree and felt it was a perfect fit. She was inspired to use her education to help other people who need hope, just like she did after her mission.

“I fell in love with it,” she said. “I want to be there for people — couples, families, whoever needs me!’”

Hope in new accomplishments

As Carolina completes each certificate, her achievements helped her regain a sense of purpose. “Once I got those certificates, I thought, ‘I am someone. I can be someone. I can do a lot,’” she said. “BYU-Pathway meant that for me. You can accomplish things. You can change your life. There is nothing you cannot do if you put the effort in.”

Carolina’s education through BYU-Pathway has also deepened her connection with Jesus Christ. “My education makes my Savior more real to me. I can feel His presence and influence even more because I know I couldn’t finish my degree by myself.”

Sharing the light of education

Now, Carolina’s journey has come full circle. She works as a mentor for other BYU-Pathway students as she continues toward her associate degree. She loves encouraging other students and helping them recognize their strengths so they can improve.

“Being a mentor is the perfect job because it helps me practice what I’m learning through my education and to develop myself as I help others.”

Every day, Carolina gets to share her passion for BYU-Pathway and see the impact it can have: “BYU-Pathway gives you a chance to become a better person, employee, and disciple of Jesus Christ. It helps you become the best version of yourself.”

With renewed hope and optimism, Carolina keeps studying and encourages anyone considering BYU-Pathway to just “go for it.” She’s seen firsthand the great impact an education through BYU-Pathway can have.

“BYU-Pathway came to me when I thought I was hopeless…. It changed everything. It brought light to my life again!”