Sage Del Valle & Francisco Vizcaino

Choose to

be your own boss.

 

Sage Del Valle

Sage Del Valle

Hometown: Willingboro, NJ
Class Year: 2020 & 2021
Major: Dual-Degree Business Administration


Why did you choose Stockton University?

As high school graduation was approaching, I was unsure if attending college was the correct direction for me. I knew I wanted to be a business owner but had a lot of uncertainty if a degree would provide any tangible value for an aspiring entrepreneur. Between the overwhelming number of articles and public figures discouraging college, and what seemed to be an endless amount of unsuccessful college tours, I became disheartened about the subject. With my high school graduation only a few days away, I decided to give one more university a visit—and the rest was history. Stockton’s incredible faculty, welcoming student body and beautiful campus made this commitment the best one I have made.

Why did you choose your major?

Since elementary school, I always enjoyed leading groups and getting involved with extracurriculars that encompassed some form of business. My passion for people and business made enrolling in the BS/MBA dual-degree option a natural fit for me.

What have you gotten out of your academic program so far?

Stockton’s business program has provided me with the information and confidence necessary for me to succeed. Whether it was working an internship, obtaining a promotion or forming my own business – I never felt unprepared. The faculty at Stockton are always there to answer questions along the way; always willing to listen and offer their insight.

What opportunities have you had at Stockton?

While at Stockton, I have been a part of a community that encourages individuals to branch out and experiment, which has allowed Francisco Vizcaino and I to start our own small business. Francisco and I met in an elective course, and although we were both from different educational disciplines, the course brought us together and served as a catalyst for our friendship.

How is Stockton preparing you for the next chapter of your life?

Stockton is helping to prepare me through various programming that encourages entrepreneurship. Whether it is through one of Stockton’s connection opportunities or through the Small Business Development Center, Stockton University has the resources that allow me to focus on my dreams instead of the logistics of it all.

What are your career goals?

I would like to continue growing F&S Digital, an agency I founded with Francisco, particularly in Atlantic City. I believe having a technology company in the vicinity of Stockton Atlantic City will open up new opportunities for students and the surrounding community. We believe Atlantic City’s future could be a digital one—and Francisco and I hope we can be at the forefront of it all. Although our company is currently focused on websites and web applications, the demand for additional software and app development is overwhelming, and we are excited to see what is in store for ourselves and F&S Digital.


 

Francisco Vizcaino

Francisco Vizcaino

Hometown: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Class Year: 2021
Major: Computer Science


Why did you choose Stockton University?

Stockton was the school that I always had in mind throughout high school. When I moved to the United States, I lived in Galloway, so naturally I was in contact with many people who had nothing but positive things to say about the university. Affordability was also a major factor when choosing Stockton. The in-state pricing allowed me to feel comfortable about the education I was investing in.

Why did you choose your major?

I have always had a passion for technology, and Computer Science gave me the best avenue to be involved in the field. As a kid, I loved sci-fi movies and video games, so I knew I wanted to be one of the people behind the latest technology. With Computer Science, there are many areas that I am able to explore, such as programming, cryptography and data analysis. My dad is also a computer science graduate, so seeing him work on software and develop technology was fascinating to me.

What have you gotten out of your academic program so far?

I’ve been able to connect with many students who have the same aspirations and motivations as me. Stockton’s environment brings out the best from me, and it has gotten me out of my comfort zone. I have also been able to explore and discover different areas of my study I had never thought about before. Also, the personal experiences my professors provide is an invaluable resource.

What opportunities have you had at Stockton?

During my first semester at Stockton, I became friends with Sage Del Valle, another student who had a passion for technology and design. Shortly after, we joined forces and formed F&S Digital. This project is something we have worked hard on and has allowed us to meet many wonderful people since our formation in April 2019. Without the environment Stockton provided, this opportunity would have never manifested.

How is Stockton preparing you for the next chapter of your life?

Stockton has already taught me many life lessons that I will always keep with me. From networking to public speaking, the university has groomed my social skills to the point where I now feel comfortable striking up a conversation with anyone. Starting up a business relationship was something I was not able to do before my time at Stockton.

What are your career goals?

My goal is to continue growing F&S Digital and make it my full-time job. I have always been interested in the autonomy starting your own company gives you, so I will see where this opportunity takes me.