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2022世界杯32强赛程表时间 > mi historia: jennifer mandes on the importance of faith and family
mi historia: jennifer mandes on the importance of faith and family
10/12/2023
jennifer mandes shares how faith and family helps her navigate life
i was born and raised in san juan, puerto rico. i lived there with my mom, dad, sisters, and entire family until i was 18 years old. from a young age, i always knew i wanted to study engineering and pursue my college studies in the united states. when i turned 18 and graduated high school, my family and i knew it was time for me to pursue my dream and attend the university of florida in gainesville. i went from chasing iguanas in my grandmother’s backyard to learning to yield to alligators when crossing the street.
sports have always been a passion of mine, especially volleyball. so, when i was granted the opportunity to walk on the volleyball team at the university of florida, a division 1 sports team, i was elated. our volleyball team went on to win four sec championships and play for two division 1 ncaa championships.
the first few months at the new school, town, and country was tough. adjusting to a new culture and environment that was completely different than the one i grew up in was one of the most difficult things i ever had to do, especially because i had to learn a new language in the process.
being away from my family who had always been my support system was new. thankfully, i have always enjoyed making friends and getting to know people. i challenged myself to step out of my comfort zone and dive into the new team, the new school, the new language, and my new life.
i have always been a woman of faith and it is a value my family instilled in me since i was very young. i held on to it during those first couple months and was able to adjust and thrive. i am happy to say that those college years were some of the happiest memories. i made lifelong friends from diverse backgrounds and was able to experience the world outside my 100 x 35-mile island with my family’s love and support.
after graduation, i was offered a job opportunity and moved to south florida where i lived for the past 15 years. those 15 years were full of great memories, friendships, challenges, and a few bumps along the road, but i’ve always been able to call south florida home.
during that time, one of my sisters married and moved to texas. i was considering a move from florida to texas so i could be close to my sister and her kids. last year, my mom was diagnosed with a condition that required her to get a lung transplant and ultimately move to texas. to me, the move was a no brainer. thankfully, i was able to get an opportunity working with entergy and move to the houston area shortly after. i have been here for one year and during the entire process, i met my husband.
although i do miss my friends in florida, i consider myself blessed because the move has provided a career opportunity and allowed me to be close to my family. i’m able to cherish all the moments i didn’t have with them while we lived in separate countries.
