Jaime Cantillo, from Chester, PA, says the Church Farm School experience has quite literally changed his life. “Before coming to CFS, I did not come from the greatest school. It was full of bullying, harassment and ridicule. Because of that, I didn’t feel the need to open up to others. But after the first week here that wall that I had built around myself completely crumbled. People were reaching out to me for a handshake or sitting down with me at lunch; they showed me how great the community is here, how strong the brotherhood is. This community has given me the ability to be myself comfortably around others, to break my antisocial shell and polish my social and networking kills. Most importantly, it has taught me that you should always reach out because sometimes all you need is a little push.”

Jaime, who will be attending Allegheny College, hopes to study biology with the ultimate goal of going to medical school and becoming a neurologist. A great student and athlete (varsity bowling and golf), he is also a member of the CFS band. “I’m glad CFS has given me the opportunity to be a part of his incredible family that is truly like no other. I hope next year that I can find a diverse group of people like the amazing friends I have found here. I also thank CFS for giving a challenging curriculum. I am looking forward to the research projects and countless internship opportunities available at college.”

Adds his advisor, Mr. Marvin Garcia, “Jaime is an outstanding young man; resilient and motivated to succeed. When Jaime originally came to the school, the boarding program was full and he spent the first five months of his freshman year commuting back and forth every day from his home in Chester, PA. Despite the hardship of traveling up to two hours each day, Jaime thrived and he was offered a boarding spot in January. Since then he has grown into a confident and competent student always working toward his goals of becoming a neuroscientist. Every summer since 9^th grade, he’s secured prestigious internships including at CHOP, Harvard and Yale universities.”

Adds his co-advisor, Mr. Josh Dwyer, “Jaime has many excellent qualities … it is hard to narrow them down. I really enjoy his mature disposition and love of music. He consistently speaks to me about older music and asks for recommendations. It’s nice that he has suggestions for me as well. Jaime is respected by his peers because of his calm demeanor and integrity.”