Alexander Soto
John Brown University
Class of 2011
Alexander Soto has a unique story. He was not 18 years old when he stepped onto the campus of John Brown University to begin his Walton International Scholarship Program experience. In fact, he hadn’t even heard of the program until he was 22 and working in a restaurant in his native Costa Rica. Soto’s desire was to open his own restaurant but since arriving on campus even those plans have been taken to a higher level, as he is also studying marketing in hopes of bolstering tourism in his home country. While he continues to work toward his diploma at JBU, Soto wears a smile as he’s become the cook of choice on campus.
"I want to attract more tourists and visitors to my country. There’s so much room for Costa Rica to grow in this area." – Alexander Soto
Hidenobu Kameya
University of the Ozarks
Class of 2013
Hidenobu Kameya was gifted with intellect. What he was searching for was the opportunity and the tools to put his acumen to use, both of which he’s found at University of the Ozarks. Kameya, a native Costa Rican, says being thrust into a foreign culture with such high expectations has helped him to embrace new experiences, set specific goals and begin to chart his path in life. His acceptance into the Walton International Scholarship Program has empowered him to lead with confidence.