For Anthony Osorio-Bravo, the Kessler Scholars Program at Johns Hopkins University has meant far more than just financial support – it has been a source of belonging, inspiration, and purpose. Anthony attributes much of that to the close support of the program’s director, Brent Fujioka. From their first encounter, Anthony knew he had found a strong community among fellow Kessler Scholars and a strong advocate in the program’s leader.
A conversation as part of regular one-on-one meetings with the program director prompted Anthony to consider trying something new, such as studying abroad. Inspired by this suggestion, Anthony decided to apply to study in Japan for a semester, which happened to be the country with deep cultural and familial ties for Brent.
Anthony Osorio-Bravo exploring Japan, his study abroad site.
While studying abroad in Japan, Anthony made an effort to immerse himself in the culture and show respect for the local community. He practiced speaking Japanese, visited areas that tourists rarely explored, used public transportation, and formed connections with the local residents. The experience left a lasting impression, Anthony said, allowing him to grow and learn in a new environment.
After his time abroad in Japan, Anthony sought to offer other Kessler Scholars the same kind of supportive guidance he received from program staff by serving as a peer mentor to first-year Kessler Scholars. Anthony valued his time as a peer mentor and considered it to be one of the most rewarding aspects of his experience with the Kessler Scholars Program. He hopes to maintain a connection and encourage his mentee to, in turn, support other students as a mentor.
“To see his success has been especially impactful to me, because I know how much time and effort it takes to pursue his classes and extracurriculars,” Anthony said. “I always [say]: If you ever just want to have a quick chat – anywhere – I’m always here.”
“I want to do counseling psychology. That’s my goal. I think that would make [my parents] proud, you know, that’s exactly what they worked for.”
– Anthony Osorio-Bravo
In addition to being a peer mentor and studying abroad, Anthony once again followed the advice of program staff to explore new opportunities and secured funding from the Kessler Scholars Program to participate in campus research focused on animal cognition. Although not directly related to his future aspirations in counseling psychology, the research opportunity allowed him to combine his passion for psychology with his love for pets.
After graduation, Anthony is returning home to support his family’s landscaping business. Then, he will set his sights on accomplishing his next long-term goal, pursuing graduate studies in counseling psychology, with a focus on sports and performance psychology.
“I want to do counseling psychology. That’s my goal,” Anthony said. As he reaches the milestone of earning his undergraduate degree, he thinks about his parents’ pride at this accomplishment and his future academic pursuits: “I think that would make them proud, you know, that’s exactly what they worked for.”