Opportunity Awaits
The chance to play a sport he loves, learn about life in a different country, and earn a degree motivated Eloy Demarquet to realize his college journey thousands of miles from home.
A senior from Guayaquil, Ecuador, Eloy found a home at Midland after spending his first year at a junior college in Minnesota. He is the second member of his family to make the trek from South America. His older sister, Ursula, recently graduated from Sioux Falls University.
“My last couple of years in high school, I knew I wanted to come to the states. I had my sister as a reference, and she was enjoying her time here. I spent my first year at a JUCO, but it wasn’t what I expected, and I wasn’t really feeling the college experience. I was ready for a new place after my first year.”
After visiting with men’s soccer coach Josh Nakayama and taking a virtual visit, Eloy decided Midland was going to be his next home. “I liked the program, I liked the coaches, and I knew Midland had lots of other international students, so it felt like a place I would fit in.”
Eloy has excelled on the soccer field, and in the classroom, for the Warriors. He earned All-GPAC honorable mention honors last season, along with being named an NAIA Scholar-Athlete and a member of the CSC Academic All-District team.
“I’ve always enjoyed soccer, and I wanted the chance to keep playing after high school and unless you go pro, there aren’t opportunities to keep playing in college in Ecuador. Midland has given me the opportunity to not only earn a degree but keep playing a sport I love.”
As he enters his final season on the pitch, Eloy wants to continue building on the success he enjoyed as a junior, and help his team, and teammates, reach their goal of winning a GPAC championship. “I want to keep helping the team not just as a player but by being a leader to the younger players. I want to finish my senior year strong.”
Beyond the soccer team, Eloy has found other ways to engage himself across campus. He has served as a work study for two years, has been an RA for the past two years, and is active with the Global Warriors organization. “I like staying busy. Doing different things across campus has allowed me to make great connections and meet many new people.”
He originally planned to go into engineering but became interested in Business Intelligence & Technology when he got to Midland. He is also working toward a minor in Business Management. “That was the first time I learned about BIT and I really enjoy data analysis. I think there will be many great job opportunities for me.”
Those job opportunities may have to wait a little longer as Eloy may once again follow in his sister’s footsteps and pursue a masters degree. “It’s something I’ve been thinking about, and I think either way, I will have great opportunities. If I have the chance to stay in the United States, I would.”
Deciding to attend college thousands of miles from home can be a daunting task, but Eloy is glad he made the leap of faith and would encourage other international students to explore the same opportunities.
“For me, it was a way to get a degree, continue competing in a sport I love, and learn a second language. You will also have the opportunity to get a great job here in the States or have plenty of opportunities if you go back home.”
Eloy Demarquet is a senior Business Intelligence & Technology major from Guayaquil, Ecuador.
