Today we want to share Daniel’s story with you. He is one of our beneficiaries and a bioengineering student at the University of Antioquia with roots in the Tolima province and a childhood in Bogotá. Raised in a close-knit family, his journey reflects the challenges and decisions that have shaped his academic and personal development. From changing his career path to facing financial pressures, Daniel’s experience highlights the importance of perseverance and support. With the help of our foundation, he has taken advantage of numerous key opportunities, including an international research experience, which has guided him toward his professional goals.
Who is Daniel?
I am a bioengineering student at the University of Antioquia. I grew up in Bogota, but my family is originally from the Tolima department. My home comprised my mother, maternal grandmother, and an aunt. My mother worked in a clothing workshop. A long time ago, she had health problems that prevented her from continuing to work, but, unfortunately, she was not entitled to a disability pension. From that moment on, my aunt became my family’s income source. I was fortunate to grow up in a healthy environment that kept him isolated from problems of violence and drugs. Being surrounded by my grandmother ensured that I did not have bad company or get into trouble outside school.
Describing myself as a person takes work. I would say that I result from all my experiences, the people around me, my family, my friends, and my successes and failures. I consider myself a person focused on my future who wants to achieve his dreams.
Why did you decide to pursue a university degree?
I initially studied for a technology degree in computer networks after graduating from high school. Although that education allowed me to find employment, my grandmother, mother, and aunt constantly motivated me to pursue a university education. My girlfriend at the time and I initially tried to get into the National University in Bogota but was not admitted. Both of us had the dream of attending university. She tried her luck at the University of Antioquia, and when she was accepted, I decided to try to get in as well, and fortunately, I was also admitted. We began our journey together to study at university and live in a new city.
What is the biggest challenge you had to overcome to be in university today?
The greatest challenge I had to overcome was deciding to change my field of study. It was a difficult decision at the time because I had already put effort into preparing myself as a technologist in computer networks. When I decided to pursue a different path, I wanted to be in a technology environment that involved less desk work and more laboratory work. The bioengineering program offered the perfect combination of technology and hands-on laboratory experience, allowing me to build objects and engage in practical applications. After studying the program’s profile and curriculum, I immediately identified with the field and knew it was the right choice.
Similarly, the financial barrier and living away from home were also challenges I had to overcome. Studying in another city meant additional expenses, and I wanted to free my family from any financial burden. Additionally, I had lived with my mom, aunt, and grandmother all my life. Starting university meant adapting to the life of a college student, which comes with its own challenges, and adjusting to living away from home in a completely new city. That period was marked by significant personal changes.
What achievement have you reached so far in university that you are most proud of?
Undoubtedly, the opportunity I had in 2023 to be a research assistant at the University of Oklahoma in the USA was the pinnacle of all my efforts up to that point. It has been a long journey since I started as a technologist in networks, decided to change professions, and finally had the chance to develop my degree project based on my practices in a country that is a leader in bioengineering. It results from many efforts from my family and the ImpactU Foundation. Undoubtedly, it is the most outstanding achievement I have had in university.
How has the support of the foundation influenced your university experience?
The foundation has had a significant impact on my university experience. My economic situation generated a lot of uncertainty for me. My ability to stay in university was contingent on my family not facing any financial difficulties. Fortunately, the foundation’s support came during the recent pandemic, when my situation was particularly uncertain. Although I managed to sustain myself partially through occasional jobs, I still depended on my family’s support. I never had to worry about missing class to make time for work again.
Beyond the financial assistance, I consider the other foundation’s benefits to be even more valuable. Having personalized English classes is an incredible benefit. Soft skills workshops are a critical aid in my professional development process. The fact that I was able to have my research exchange experience in the USA is directly related to the foundation. I would only have achieved that goal with their support. I have always been very grateful to the foundation for all the support they have provided me beyond financial assistance.
How do you see yourself in the future?
If I think about a five-year horizon, I see myself completing my Ph.D. in Bioengineering and perhaps starting to build a family. Indeed, I’ll be doing many other things I enjoy, such as traveling, but I would like to be economically, emotionally, and professionally stable.
To conclude, tell us about Bogota. What do you miss? What should we experience?
I particularly miss the cold weather in Bogota, and also its bread. Bogota obviously has a cooler climate than Medellin. It’s the climate I grew up with, and when the weather gets especially hot in Medellin, I miss that cool weather of Bogota. Additionally, Bogota has excellent bakeries, and I miss enjoying fresh bread with hot chocolate or coffee.
There are many alternatives to activities in Bogota. I would recommend going to Monserrate Hill but hiking up on foot. You can enjoy a fantastic view of the city. Another spot to enjoy a beautiful view of the city is by going to Entrenubes Park. It’s perhaps the broadest view you can get of the city. On Sundays, you can enjoy all the bike paths the city offers. Some of the routes practically traverse the entire city. I would also recommend going to Simon Bolivar Park. Enjoy its lake, rent a boat, and paddle around. Salitre Mágico Park also offers really good mechanical attractions.
In the surroundings of Bogota, there are many exciting places, some with a lot of history that you can visit. For example, the Guatavita Lagoon, the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira, and the Chicaque Natural Reserve in the municipality of Mosquera. The latter provides access to a sanctuary of flora and fauna in a fog forest where you can go hiking, among other activities. You can also visit the Sumapaz páramo and the Tunjos lagoon for great views and close contact with nature. Furthermore, the entire area behind the city’s eastern hills is stunning, including the Chingaza Paramo and the Chingaza National Park.
If you want to visit museums, the downtown area offers many alternatives, many of which are free. You can visit museums such as the Museum of Independence, the Coin and bill Production Museum, the Gold Museum, and the Botero Museum, among others. You can also go to the lookout at the top of the Colpatria Tower to enjoy a beautiful view of the city. It’s a different view of the city than when visiting Monserrate. For hanging out with friends, I like the surroundings of 85th Street, known as the “Zona T” of the city, and 93rd Street Park.
In short, Bogotá offers many alternatives for cultural, sports, and nature entertainment that I hope you can discover someday.
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Many other young students, like Daniel, could greatly benefit from your support. You can make a significant difference in their lives. Whether you volunteer your time or donate, your contribution will provide crucial support to help other students like Daniel pursue their educational dreams. Your participation will open doors for these individuals and contribute to building a brighter future for their families and communities. Support us and let’s change lives together!
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