Sarah Finds Support in Her Challenges

April 2017

Sarah Dantas, born and raised in Brazil, faced two challenges when arriving in the United States to attend LDS Business College: language and finance. Nevertheless, Sarah witnessed a number of miracles that made her education possible.

“My aunt paid for the first three semesters of college,” says Sarah. “My family also gathered money to help me pay for books, health insurance, and other materials I would need.”

Family friends even invited Sarah to live in their home during her first several months in Utah, easing the financial burden. Sarah still faced the challenge of learning the language, but she placed her faith in the Lord.

“With another blessing of my Heavenly Father, this challenge was much easier to overcome,” says Sarah. “He helped me so much, and I truly believe in the interpretation of tongues by the inspiration of the Holy Ghost. I could understand my teachers and speak well enough that they could understand me.”

Sarah began working a part-time job to support herself shortly after her arrival at the college, but she knew her income still wouldn’t fully cover the costs of living and tuition.

“I was really worried because I didn’t know how I was going to pay,” Sarah says. “I didn’t want to ask for more money from my aunt. I decided I needed to find a way to support myself here.”

Sarah decided to apply for an academic scholarship. When she learned her request had been granted, she knew it was a blessing from God.

“The day I found out I got the scholarship, I cried,” she says. “I had prayed, asking Heavenly Father to help me, and the scholarship money was a little bit more than I was expecting. I was really happy.”

Sarah is studying to become an executive medical assistant. The support she’s received has allowed her to flourish.

“She is a straight-A student,” says Toodie West, a health professions program director who works with Sarah. “She is accurate and dedicated, and blesses others with her critical thinking and abilities. As a clinical lab assistant, she has helped many students improve their skills.”

Sarah says she’s grateful for the sacrifices that family, friends, and donors have made to bless her life. Thanks to her experience, she believes donors’ contributions have a profound impact on the students who receive scholarships.

“I don’t think they have any idea how much that money helps people to achieve their dreams,” she says. “The donors are helping a whole generation.”