Sylvain Farrel arrived in the United States three years ago from Indonesia at the age of 14. Today, he’s got a full scholarship to Villanova University pursuing nursing, writes Kristen A. Graham for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

“I think it’s crucial to be successful ASAP since I believe it’s my duty to pave the way for my family to a stable financial situation,” said Farrel.

Three years ago, he had to switch to English as his primary language as he settled in at Furness High in South Philly.

Farrell graduated Furness as a valedictorian. Now he’s attending living on Villanova’s campus, volunteering at a health clinic, leading the youth band at his church and spending time with his parents and 5-year-old brother.

Farrel was born and raised in Indonesia. Life was hard in a country where there was racism and violence against Indonesians with Chinese roots.

“It was terrible; my family was trying to find a way out,” he said. “My mom went to a local market, and she actually got quite beat up. The whole family, we decided we have to go.”

They moved to Philadelphia in September 2021. Farrel hit the ground running in 10th grade honors classes and hasn’t looked back.

Read more about Sylvain Farrel’s journey from Indonesia to Philly in The Philadelphia Inquirer.

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