Pava is a new sophomore here at CCS and has had an enjoyable start to his school year. Pava is originally from Bogotá, Colombia where he lived with his family for the majority of his life. Pava remarks on the vast beauty of Colombia, from the lively people, and the talkative and affectionate culture, to the lush-green landscape that he enjoyed throughout his life. Pava moved from Bogota, which is the capital of Colombia, to various other places like Medellín with its busy city life, to the more rural places like Chía.

 Pava’s uncle owns a horse farm in the mountains of Colombia, where he would spend his summers. Pava remembers his childhood and early adolescence fondly. He remembers the time spent with friends and family, and the food shared through love, such as his favorite, bandeja paisa. 

 Pava’s parents decided to move their family to Charlotte just two years ago. Pava attended Providence High School for his freshman year and enjoyed the connections and opportunities that his new environment provided him. Pava, and his younger brother Josue, who is a 7th grader,  recently decided to switch to Carmel because of the opportunity to play for the Cougar soccer team.

So far this school year, he enjoys the atmosphere that Carmel has created. There has been a little more work than expected, but he is up for the challenge. One thing that surprised Pava was the fact that he was moved from Spanish I to Spanish IV in one day.

As Pava is from Colombia, he is fluent in Spanish. In his time at school in Colombia, Pava began the process of learning English. His journey may have started in the classroom, but he furthered his learning by using online resources. After moving to Charlotte, Pava is now fluent in both languages and states that he “enjoys reading books in English and learning more vocabulary.” Pava also remarks that his favorite courses so far here at Carmel are his History class with Amy Abbott and his upper-level Spanish class with Ailene Vayas. 

 Soccer has been a part of Pava’s life since he can remember. He started when he was around two years old. Pava has continued to grow in his skill, and love for the sport. Pava is mid-field for this year’s varsity team, and he has “high expectations for the soccer team this season.” Not only that, but Pava has enjoyed his teammates and the fun, friendly and hardworking environment they have created.

 Matteo Porretta, also a new student playing for this year’s soccer team, states that Juan has quickly become one of his closest friends. Porretta states that “[Pava] is a disciplined and hardworking friend to be around.”

Outside of school and sports, Pava enjoys being with his friends. He is looking forward to a full and fun first year at Carmel!