17-year-old Whitesboro senior built virtual assistant business ahead of graduation

The Class of 2022 will say farewell to a high school career that included nearly two years under the cloud of a global  pandemic. While COVID-19 may have marred some of their high school experience, this class has grit and they have made it to the finish line. As members of the graduating class prepare to move on to the next chapter in their lives, the Observer-Dispatch sat down with several seniors across the Mohawk Valley. They offered advice for their fellow students, shared their college and career goals and more. Congratulations to the Class of 2022.

Glenvelis Perez is a young entrepreneur.

With help and guidance from the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!), held through Mohawk Valley Community College, Perez worked to develop her own business.

She originally had thoughts of a baked goods business, but ended up creating a virtual assistant business, aimed at providing transcription, research, writing, proofreading and editing services.

Called GP Virtual, the business already has taken some work in the Mohawk Valley.

“My own struggles with managing my time made me believe that this business could be something that I could help many people with,” Perez said. “In the future, I hope to expand the business and offer many more services, possibly including those of tax preparation services with my mom and adapting to any other needs my clients may have."

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Perez will have another title she can call herself later this month: high school graduate. She will graduate from Whitesboro High School on June 18.

Now 17, Perez said her parents moved here from the Dominican Republic to give her and her sisters better opportunities.

It has given her an endless amount of gratitude for her family and has placed a high value on education as a result.

“Even when I face challenges in school, I feel that I am immensely fortunate for having the chance to pursue my educational goals and that helps me overcome them,” Perez said.

'She is driven and humble'

Perez began her high school career at Thomas R. Proctor High School in Utica, then transferred to Whitesboro in her junior year.

She has participated in numerous activities including dance, the Junior Frontiers of the Mohawk Valley, the International Club, drama club, choir and Please Stand Up.

Perez also worked with her school’s newspaper and is the editor of the school’s literary magazine.

She also volunteered as a math tutor for middle school students at MVCC’s Math Corps Summer Camp Program and has handed out food and school supplies through the Johnson Park Center.

Perez came across YEA! through the Junior Frontiers of the Mohawk Valley. She has wanted to be an entrepreneur since she was young, inspired by the hard work of her parents.

Michelle Truitt has run YEA! since its inception. Perez was one of five seniors in this year’s YEA! class, Truitt said.

“She is driven and humble,” Truitt said. “I cannot say enough good things about her.”

Perez plans to attend Smith College in the fall, with the hopes of majoring in mathematics. She also hopes to pursue writing and finding ways to help the community.

“To all of the other seniors graduating in the Mohawk Valley this year, best of luck with your journey next year no matter what path you plan to pursue,” Perez said. “You have the potential to make a positive difference in the world, so always remember that.”

Ed Harris is the Oneida County reporter for the Observer-Dispatch. Email Ed Harris at EHarris1@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Whitesboro High School Class of 2022: Glenvelis Perez ready for next level