From Guam to Alabama: How Aley Perez embraced change to become a leader
By: Sieanna Hart
At 18 years old, Aley Perez made a major life decision and moved from Guam to Alabama where he currently is a junior accounting student at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH). Now, he is dedicated to supporting fellow students throughout his journey.
After graduating from high school, Perez made the transition to Alabama alone after hearing about UAH from his cousin.
"I still remember traveling on the long plane ride from Guam to the United States and trying Starbucks for the first time,” he says. “The transition was difficult but throughout everything, I’ve always felt love and support from my family.”
In Alabama, Perez is able to bring his skills to the community and serves as a leader and mentor at UAH. He works as a Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) leader where he administrates study sessions for students and provides a comfortable environment for people to learn and ask questions.
He has been a PASS leader for almost two semesters, assisting in various accounting classes, and finds the experience very rewarding.
“It brings joy into my heart to be able to help others and see students succeed and become more confident with the material.”
As a full-time student and PASS leader, Perez also works part-time at the Salt Factory Pub, where he recently was named Employee of the Quarter. This recognition was awarded to him for creating a positive and safe environment for customers and staff.
Through his working, traveling and mentorship experience, Perez has honed many of his skills.
“Balancing and experiencing everything has strengthened my skills of resilience and adaptability, and these are important qualities that I carry into every aspect of my life,” he says. “In high school, I was really able to develop these skills as well as learn the importance of education through a mentorship program.”
Over the summer of 2021, Perez completed a mentorship program under the guidance of Dr. Samuel Betances (or “Dr. B”) and Dr. Eric Chong. Dr. B, from Harlem, New York, is a senior diversity consultant at Souder, Betances and Associates, Inc. and Dr. Chong is a professor at Guam Community College and also teaches at Simon Sanchez High School.
In the mentorship program, Perez reviewed and discussed a book written by Dr. B, Winning the Future Through Education: One Step at a Time.
“Through this program, I learned how to be a successful student and I still apply and utilize what I learned every day at UAH. Dr. B and Dr. Chong were both really supportive and I am forever grateful for them and the program,” says Perez.
Upon graduation in May 2026, Perez will be the first one among his family to complete a four-year university degree. He accredits this accomplishment to his family and expresses eternal gratitude to his parents.
“Everything that I’ve done and continue to do will always be for them. I want to be able to give back to them as I hold them dearly in my heart.”
In the future, Perez hopes to become a certified public accountant, where he can continue to support and provide assistance to others through difficult moments.
“I want to drive positive change in the business world and continue to carry on Guam throughout Alabama".