One seed that BSF planted in me brought an abundance of blessings
Story by Lesly Sanchez
“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.”
1 Corinthians 3:6-7
This verse reminds me of my journey with the Barrientos Scholarship Foundation. One seed brought an abundance of blessings I never expected. I learned that no matter how many seeds I plant, only one thing can guarantee me a harvest, and that is God. I have always been told that what is meant for you no one can take away. I lived that truth.
I moved to Omaha in August of 2025 to pursue my degree in Business Administration at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, a lifelong dream that was finally coming true.
This decision was made with plenty of prayer. I explored other options and opportunities, but doors kept opening at UNO. So, I headed for Omaha.
The journey wasn’t easy. The first couple of months were trying. Uncertainty and doubt filled my mind as I figured out the city, figured out how to live with strangers, and navigated through the university’s systems. Jumping into something new that neither you nor anyone in your family has ever experienced can be overwhelming. My biggest challenge proved to be finding a job.
Right when I was about to give up, I had coffee with one incredible person: Francisco Sandoval. He took the time to get to know me, and what was supposed to be a conversation about shared ideas quickly became something much more meaningful.
We met at Coffee Alley and began by discussing our mutual interest in teaching the Hispanic community about financial and entrepreneurial literacy. As we continued to talk, I began to open up about my experience with classes and adjusting to life in the city. The experience hadn’t been all positive, and Francisco offered me empathy, wisdom, and encouragement. He invited me to attend a student success session.
He saw right through my biggest challenge and saw the real me. Someone who needed a little guidance, support, and reassurance.
For the first time since moving to Omaha, I truly felt seen. Francisco took me into his community, beginning with BSF. I attended the second student success event, where Maggie Thorne spoke about the importance of mental and physical health. Francisco then introduced me to Tony Aguilera and other BSF board members. In just one day, my network doubled.
One conversation at Coffee Alley, filled with unplanned vulnerability and the sweet smell of croissants and chocolate, blossomed into a beautiful community.
The Barrientos Scholarship Foundation became my second family. BSF believed in me and saw potential in me that I had not yet discovered within myself. That belief opened the door for me to join the BSF team, an opportunity I embraced with gratitude and excitement. To work alongside a team that advocates for a cause so close to my heart has been a true blessing.
This kind of community is irreplaceable. I don’t believe this was a coincidence at all, but truly God’s plan. Through BSF, I have learned the value of networking, marketing skills, professional skills, and self-development.
I would have never guessed that in the few months of being in Omaha, I would have gained a big brother: Francisco, a second father: Tony, and a beautiful family of first-generation leaders. I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunities I have been gifted and for the people that I have gained.
God truly knows how to make things grow.