What does it take to turn a dream into reality? For Alejandro, the answer lies in resilience, hard work, and the transformative power of education. As a beneficiary of the impactU Foundation scholarship, he is proving that determination can overcome obstacles. In this interview, he shares how he went from a small town in Nariño to navigating the challenges of university life in Medellin, all with the belief that every challenge is an opportunity. Alejandro’s story highlights why it is crucial to support Latin American students striving for a brighter future.
Who is Alejandro?
I am a Civil Engineering student at the National University of Colombia in Medellin, and I am close to graduating. I grew up in a small home with just my mom and me. I am originally from San Pablo, a town in northern Nariño, near Cauca. My dad passed away when I was little, and although I got to know some of my paternal family later, we never had a close relationship. My mom has always been my biggest role model for strength and dedication. Our main source of income has been my grandparents’ small coffee farm, which also produces plantains and fruit. From a young age, I helped my mom on the farm and worked with some of my uncles who also grew coffee. That taught me to never give up when things get tough and to seize every chance I got.
Why did you decide to pursue a university degree?
I have always believed in the power of education, and my mom was my biggest inspiration. From a very young age, she instilled in me the importance of studying and pushed me to always do my best. She always made sure I did my homework before anything else. Thanks to her support, I did well in school, and my dream was always to become a professional so I can give back for all the sacrifices she has made for me. Besides her, a classmate also motivated me. He got into university, following his older brothers’ footsteps, who were already studying at the University of Antioquia and the National University. With his help, I navigated the complicated university application process, which was really tough for me at the time. As a first-generation college student, this support was invaluable.
What was the biggest challenge you had to overcome to be in university today?
The biggest challenge was getting accepted and moving to a big city. The competition for admission is very difficult, and the academic standards are really high. I spent months studying hard, using the few resources I had, and believing I could do it. When I finally got the acceptance letter, I felt both joy and anxiety. The dream was becoming real, but the journey was just beginning. Beyond admission, moving to Medellin posed a significant hurdle. Financial struggles and not having family nearby made the move even harder. Leaving my mom alone in our town was not easy, but I knew it was the best way to build a better future for my family.
What is your most outstanding achievement so far at university that you are most proud of?
For me, it is sticking with it despite the challenges. Many students drop out of civil engineering at the National University because it is so demanding, but I have managed to keep my GPA above a 4 (out of 5) and I work hard every day to keep going. Adapting to city life, managing my finances, and keeping up with my studies has been a constant challenge, but it is all been worth it. Another thing I am proud of is the mentoring program I lead in my department. As part of a social project that each beneficiary must complete, I worked with the university’s student services office to create a program that helps new students get oriented. With over 20 mentors supporting about 60 students, knowing we are making a difference keeps me motivated to do my best.
How has the support of the foundation influenced your university experience?
The foundation’s support has been crucial, both financially and emotionally. Their assistance has relieved my mother of financial burdens, allowing me to focus more on my education. Before, I could only visit home once a year because of the travel costs, but now I can go back more often. Also, the food assistance from one of the foundation’s donors, Carnes Aragon, lets me bring my own meals and eat well. Beyond the financial help, the support and guidance I have received have been key to my personal and professional growth. Having people who believe in me pushes me to work harder and find ways to give back, creating a community that encourages me to keep going.
How do you see yourself in the future?
I dream of continuing my studies and specializing in the areas of transportation or structural engineering. I would like to study in Colombia or abroad, depending on the funding opportunities I can find, as that is the biggest barrier I face in achieving this goal. I do not want to lose my momentum, so I plan to start my postgraduate studies right after graduation. Professionally, I hope to lead major engineering projects and eventually start my own company to create jobs and opportunities for others. I believe that with dedication and hard work, I can contribute to infrastructure development in my region and beyond.
To conclude, tell us about San Pablo, Nariño. What do you miss? What should we experience?
San Pablo is a place full of natural beauty and warm people. If you ever have the chance to visit, I recommend seeing the Sanctuary of the Virgin of the Beach, the Cristo Rey Viewpoint, and the Mayo River Hydroelectric Plant, a vital energy source for the region. The area also has numerous rivers and waterfalls, perfect for those who enjoy nature. When it comes to gastronomy, cuy (guinea pig) is the most representative dish of the region, though it is not eaten as often as many believe. Other traditional dishes include lechona, served on special occasions, and smoked bofe, made with beef lung and accompanied by potatoes or yucca. A special local product is achira bread, which in our region is larger and softer than the version made in other parts of Colombia. And for those with a sweet tooth, I recommend trying alfeñique, a traditional candy made with panela and peanuts.
San Pablo is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful towns in Nariño, with so much to offer.
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Alejandro’s story is just one example of how an ImpactU Foundation scholarship can change lives. If you believe in the power of education and want to support Latin American students, consider joining our efforts. Together, we can keep breaking barriers through education and opening doors for future generations. Support us and let’s change lives together.
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