From Delhi to MIT: An Alum's Journey of Joyful Curiosity and Community

By Chad Laws (AES Communications Specialist)

At AES, we believe in fostering an environment where academic excellence is complemented by a vibrant and supportive community. We love nothing more than seeing our alumni thrive, carrying the lessons and friendships forged here into successful and fulfilling lives around the globe. Today, we're thrilled to shine a spotlight on one such alum, who embodies the spirit of joyful pursuit of excellence:

Meet Juvencio Maezto, a proud AES graduate from the Class of 2018. Originally from Cadiz, Spain, Juvencio's family embarked on an international adventure, living in Madrid, Seville, and London before arriving in Delhi in 2012. For six transformative years, AES became home. After graduating, Juvencio made a significant impact in the academic world, pursuing a major in Economics and a minor in Molecular Engineering at the prestigious University of Chicago, followed by a successful stint as a management consultant at Boston Consulting Group (BCG). Today, he is an MBA candidate at MIT, with plans to move to New York City after graduating in 2026.

The Enduring Influence of AES

When asked about the most important lessons learned at AES, Juvencio emphasizes two key takeaways: approaching challenges with joyful curiosity and understanding the profound importance of community. "For most people that arrive for the first time in India when they get to AES," he shares, "the school gives them a home to explore and step out of their comfort zone, but still feel supported and welcomed by an incredible community of teachers, staff, parents, and students." This sense of belonging and adventure is a hallmark of the AES experience. 

Cultivating Leadership Skills

"While at AES, I was an active member of the Reach Out club," Juvencio recalls. "Every Thursday after school, boys and girls from the nearby community would join us on campus and take part in activities such as arts and crafts, sports, computers, and more." This wasn't just an opportunity for AES students to broaden perspectives, but also a vital leadership role. As president, Juvencio honed essential skills, managing conflicts, strengthening community outreach, and expanding the curriculum. "This helped me build a lot of the skills I use today," he affirms. Juvencio’s service remains a cornerstone of his growth, including a two-month stint in a rural village north of Pune, where they helped local farmers and entrepreneurs.

MESAC and the Strength of the AES Community

Team sports and MESAC competitions were a highlight of Juvencio’s time at AES. "There is something so incredibly special about competing away from home with your friends and building camaraderie," he shares. But the most vivid memory comes from hosting the JV Football/Soccer tournament. "During that week, I remember feeling a very strong sense of pride to be representing AES Tigers, at home, and with my teammates." The entire AES community rallied, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. "We had a big crowd in every game, and in the final, it felt like the entire field was surrounded by rows of students and parents cheering us on." The triumphant win, celebrated by hundreds, cemented a powerful lesson: "It's moments like these that remind me of the importance of community and the power of supporting each other – a mentality I try to carry with me in everything I do now."

The Power of Connection

Much of that community building, Juvencio recalls, took place in the high school breezeway. "It was a place where, as a high school student, you could go, find your friends, and disconnect from classes or anything else you had going on," he explains. Beyond a physical space, the breezeway symbolized the importance of human connection. "It's reminded me of the importance of seeking the 'breezeway' in our lives – a place where we can connect with people and form relationships." This emphasis on building strong relationships has stayed with Juvencio as he still cherishes his AES "family”.

The Joyful Pursuit of Excellence

The AES mission statement, "the joyful pursuit of excellence," deeply resonates with Juvencio. Moving to India at 12 was a challenge, a step out of a comfort zone. "What I learned at AES that I continue to do to this day, and has helped me step out of all my comfort zones, has been approaching every problem with a joyful curiosity". This curiosity fueled memorable experiences, from successfully participating in a play with no prior stage experience to building a fully functioning solar panel in the makerspace. "That excitement to learn, discover, and problem solve is what has helped me realize many of the opportunities I've had so far."

Beyond the strong academics that prepared Juvencio for the University of Chicago, MIT, and a career in consulting, it was the "intangibles" that truly made the difference. "Mainly, learning how to approach challenges with a joyful curiosity and the importance of community," he reiterates. AES provides a home where students can explore, challenge themselves, and thrive, knowing they are supported by an incredible community of teachers, staff, parents, and fellow students.

We are incredibly proud of Juvencio's achievements and thankful for these inspiring insights. It's stories like these that truly demonstrate the lasting impact of an AES education.

Are you an AES alum with a story to share? We'd love to hear from you!