Meet our Students – Thomas Anthony Costa Santana

Hometown: Carmo do Rio Claro, Brazil

How did you find Caldwell University?

I was thinking of transferring from my old school in California and my uncle who lives in Wayne, New Jersey visited Caldwell’s campus and told me about it. While he was telling me about it on the phone, I felt that it was the place I was looking for.

What has been most beneficial for you in being a student at Caldwell University?

The academic and athletic level is high, and as I love challenges, this makes my experience a lot better. Also, there is a huge diversity of people and cultures, which is incredible. I am amazed at how much I have grown as a student, as a player and also as a person during the past two years at school.

What do you tell others about Caldwell University? 

I always tell people that Caldwell University is more than just a university; it is a community, a family.

Main activities you have been involved in at Caldwell

I am part of the soccer program. I also represent the soccer team in the NCAA Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and I am a member of The National Society of Leadership and Success.

What life lessons have you learned or are you learning through the pandemic?

I am not learning, but understanding things that I already believed before, for example, how much family is important, to be patient, to take the most from the bad experiences and to never give up.

Plans after graduation? 

I would love to get the Optional Practical Training (OPT) authorization to get experience in my field of study. It would give me more time to plan for continuing my studies. I want to try to become a professional soccer player in the U.S.

Fact about your life in your home country –  I am from a really small town and I  left home when I was 13 to play soccer in another state and [I] kind of lived by myself for three years until my parents moved to where I was living. I also play saxhorn.