Thalles Winner DeSouza’s journey from working the drive-thru at Wendy’s to earning a full scholarship to Yale University is a powerful story of perseverance and opportunity. After immigrating to the United States from Brazil following a shooting inside his family home, DeSouza had to learn English, adapt to a new country, and balance high school with long hours at Wendy’s. His determination impressed franchise owner Usama El-Sehrawey, who promised that if DeSouza stayed at Wendy’s, he would help him go to college.

El-Sehrawey and his business partner, the late Ernest Smily, began setting aside money based on the hours DeSouza worked. That support eventually funded three years at Cape Cod Community College. DeSouza made the most of the opportunity, earning straight A’s, founding a campus religious club, and serving as student body president for two years. He later transferred to Bunker Hill Community College before setting his sights on Yale.

In May 2026, years of hard work paid off when DeSouza was accepted to Yale with a full scholarship worth more than $194,500. His achievement was especially remarkable considering that Yale accepts only a small percentage of transfer applicants. Rather than simply benefiting from his employers’ generosity, he turned their investment into academic success and a place at one of America’s most prestigious universities.

DeSouza plans to study political science, minor in human rights, and follow the pre-law track, with the goal of becoming a lawyer. After everything he overcame—from surviving violence in Brazil to learning a new language and working long shifts while studying—his story is a reminder that sometimes one person’s belief in you can completely change your future.