Most Community Spotlights highlight the work of adults in Pensacola, Florida. This spotlight, however, focuses on an honorary citizen with a special connection to the City of Five Flags.
Abraão José da Silva first came to Northwest Florida from his hometown in Brazil on a World Learning Youth Ambassadors exchange in high school. While here, he stayed with Gulf Coast Diplomacy members Bev and David Mayo for two weeks, participating in leadership activities during the day and learning about American culture at night.
Abraão and the Mayos formed such a strong bond that he has since come back to visit, also making plans with friends with whom he has maintained a connection. Today, this first-generation university student is studying mechanical engineering at a university in the United States, an achievement he accredits in part to his time in Youth Ambassadors Brazil, the U.S. Department of State-funded program that brought him to Pensacola.
Abraão began dreaming about studying abroad when he saw a friend participate in an international exchange. This inspired him to spend over two years learning English by himself through watching movies. After an arduous application process, Abraão was accepted into Youth Ambassadors Brazil, and one thing he wants other people to remember is not to be afraid of setting high goals. “I was in high school & interested in foreign affairs and look where I am now.”
– Abraão José da Silva,
Youth Ambassador Brazil alumnus & Honorary Citizen of Pensacola
Abraão & host father David Mayo