“Commitment is the moment in life when you seize opportunities and use them to alter your life and destiny”.

Alex Elifas is a contemplative soul and his impending graduation in May is providing him cause to be even more reflective than usual. “St Jude’s has built a big part of my personality”, he says, “Who I am has been shaped by the school”.

Alex receives his School of St Jude's uniform.

Alex’s time at St Jude’s has been eventful. He’s a bright young man who was able to skip ahead two grades. In his senior years he left the school for one year so as to return to finish his schooling with the rest of the inaugural graduating class of 2015.

He is proud to be finishing with his class and cannot wait for the graduation celebrations. “I look forward to spending time and celebrating with my sponsors, friends and family”, he says.

Alex receives a gift from his sponsor.

However, despite the overall focus on the senior class, Alex has a more holistic view of his graduation and the influence it will have on the rest of the school. “I am trying to figure out how to have a positive impact on the other students. I want to inspire the younger ones”.

Alex’s time at St Jude’s has had a profound impact on his life. “St Jude’s made me dream differently. Without St Jude’s I couldn’t have the plans I have now. It has given me big dreams.”

Alex picks up a handful of awards.

Alex’s dreams are impressive. After graduation he will take part in the St Jude’s community service program. He looks forward to giving back by teaching at a local government school where his scientific knowledge can have a big impact in a region with a desperate shortage of maths and science teachers. He plans to learn French and the keyboard in his spare time.

His long term ambitions are to study electrical engineering with a focus on biomedical engineering. Alex wants to have a positive impact on his country through his chosen profession.

“There are currently no experts in the field of electronics and biomedics in Tanzania”, Alex says, “I will work on different projects to improve the country. I am looking forward to being in a position where I can support or sponsor projects in Tanzania that will have a positive impact on society”.

Alex helps out at home.

St Jude’s will always play an important part in Alex’s life and it is inspiring to hear him speak of his feelings for the school and his continued involvement.

“Thanks to St Jude’s I had an easy life, a life without struggle,” he says. “Because of St Jude’s I will be someone in the future.”