Today, we are happy to share the story of one of our beneficiaries: Arcindo. His journey is an inspiring example of resilience and determination, a testament to overcoming numerous challenges. From his modest roots in Las Ánimas, Chocó, to pursuing his dream of becoming a mechanical engineer, Arcindo has faced obstacles that have stopped many other students. Through his perseverance, academic dedication, and deep desire to contribute to his community, he demonstrates that even the greatest challenges can be overcome. His story exemplifies the potential we all have to create change and inspire others.
Who is Arcindo?
I am a mechanical engineering student at the National University of Colombia. I grew up in Las Ánimas in the municipality of Unión Panamericana in the department of Chocó. I am the seventh of nine children, five of whom have had access to higher education. One of my sisters is a school teacher, two others study social work, another accounting, and myself mechanical engineering. My mom has been an artisanal gold miner all her life, while my dad has worked in various trades, including agriculture, construction, mining, and many others. Although my dad attended school, he did not graduate from high school, and my mom did not have the opportunity to study.
I have stood out for my academic performance and leadership in my community. I received several honorable mentions in my school for my academic results. In 2016, I achieved my municipality’s highest score on the Saber 11 exam (national standardized exam for high school education). Regarding leadership activities, I was a student representative on the administrative council of my school to bring the students’ voices and ensure that their decisions always considered the well-being of the students. In my community, I played the role of a leader seeking to be an agent of change. I was interested in questioning social dynamics that I considered needed to evolve. Currently, I am away from home pursuing my university degree, but I want to return and be a driver of change in my community.
Why did you decide to pursue a university degree?
Several people influenced me to pursue university studies. Two of them were teachers who, at different times, repeatedly encouraged me not to limit my studies to high school. Additionally, one of my sisters and even a doctor were sources of inspiration, each in their own way. In total, I would say that four people, in particular, built a set of experiences throughout my school years that motivated me to seek an opportunity for higher education with high quality.
The first person who influenced me was my next older sister. Like me, she was an outstanding student, and when she was about to graduate from high school, she decided to apply to university. She was the first person in our family to aspire to obtain a university degree. Her interest in studying engineering inspired me to follow in her footsteps and become an engineer someday. She was an example for me to start considering the idea that I could also study at a university one day.
Later, I had a teacher in school named Renzo Mosquera-Echeverry, who cultivated in me a love for mathematics. Thanks to him, I understood that mathematics was more than a school subject. He taught us the value of knowledge as a tool to build a better future. I remember he often told us that a pencil weighed less than a shovel and a pan, the two tools used in artisanal mining in our region. He reminded us that it would be easier to find a better future through education than through artisanal mining, which has been such a recurring occupation in my region.
The third person who motivated me to study was a doctor I visited for treatment. The walls of his office were filled with diplomas and certificates. I was around 13 years old then, and his office greatly impressed me. Although my interaction with him was limited to medical consultations, his example made me consider the possibility of studying medicine in the future. I dreamed of studying medicine for several years and becoming a pediatric cardiologist someday.
The fourth person crucial in my path to university was a mathematics teacher who was part of the pre-university preparation program I had access to. He was part of the Special Program for Admission and Academic Mobility (PEAMA) of the National University, which finally opened my doors to higher education. This teacher repeatedly insisted that we focus on quality educational opportunities outside our region. We develop our potential beyond the educational options the Department of Chocó offers. His personal experience in overcoming economic limitations to obtain a university education of excellence and eventually become a professor inspired me enormously.
All these experiences led me to set the goal of studying in the city of Medellín. I was determined not only to enter university but also to leave my department. Initially, I tried to get a spot at the University of Antioquia, but I failed. Later, the National University offered me the opportunity to study mechanical engineering, and I did not miss that opportunity.
What was the biggest challenge you had to overcome to be in university today?
The biggest challenge was the pessimism of my family and my community. My parents, being of scarce resources and with a large family, did not have the means to support me financially in my studies. Additionally, being one of the younger children and with my father already over 80 years old, I faced resistance to studying outside of my region. I had disagreements with my parents for some time, as I only considered studying in Chocó as a last resort. Resisting that family pressure and persisting in my goal of entering university in Medellín was my greatest obstacle. If I hadn’t overcome it, I would probably have already started a family and would be dedicating myself to various trades, following in my father’s footsteps.
What is your most outstanding achievement so far at university that you are most proud of?
My most significant source of pride is still being a university student at the National University. Over time, one realizes that being admitted to university, despite its difficulty, is just the beginning. The real challenge lies in staying in university. It involves overcoming academic challenges and maintaining the motivation to move forward despite personal difficulties. Personally, experiencing the change of leaving my family and my small community to study in a big city has been a process of adaptation and significant growth.
How has the support of the foundation influenced your university experience?
Entering the foundation marked a crucial point in my university trajectory. Initially, I received support from the PEAMA program for my pre-university preparation and needed to move to Medellín to start my studies. Despite my efforts to raise funds to finance this transition, a week before starting my classes, I found myself in a situation where I did not have enough money to travel to Medellín, nor did I have housing or upkeep assured. This moment of great uncertainty could have marked the end of my plans. However, unexpectedly, the pandemic arrived and allowed me to stay with my family and continue my studies virtually during the first semesters.
The impactU Foundation was a ray of hope for me amid the pandemic. I knew that the end of the pandemic would eventually force me to face the challenge of moving to Medellín to continue my studies. As the end of the pandemic neared, I was facing extreme uncertainty as I still did not have a clear path to relocate and fund my expenses. One day, I learned about the foundation’s existence, and from that point on, I focused on seeking its support. Finally, when I became a beneficiary, I could move to Medellín and continue my studies in person. I doubt I would have continued my studies in Medellín in person without the support of the impactU.
How do you see yourself in the future?
I would like to continue my education after obtaining my university degree. In about five years, I see myself completing a master’s or doctorate. I would like to apply all my knowledge acquired to contribute to the development of Chocó and my community. Additionally, I long to share my experience and expertise with new generations and aspire to become a university professor. Achieving this goal within the National University would be an outstanding achievement for me, but regardless of the institution, my main goal is to positively impact Chocó.
To conclude, tell us about Unión Panamericana, Chocó. What do you miss? What should we experience?
In my community, you can experience the warm hospitality of its people, enjoy delicious dishes, and relish the lush nature that surrounds us. The people radiate a special warmth, and you can feel the general affection from everyone; as a visitor, you will feel at home. Personally, I miss some of the traditional dishes from the region, such as ‘quebrado de queso,’ a rich soup made with green plantain, cheese, and herbs, which brings back childhood memories. You can also enjoy ‘rellena con primitivo,’ a dish similar to blood sausage but seasoned with herbs. Additionally, you can savor beverages like ‘guate agrio,’ a delicious mix of corn, milk, panela, and spices, as well as sweets like ‘birimbí,’ ‘cuca,’ ‘panochas de maíz,’ and ‘cocadas.’ Lastly, another delicacy you can’t miss is ‘jugo de milpesos,’ extracted from the fruit of a palm and used in various preparations.
Beyond its people and its food, there are nature, cultural, and religious activities that visitors can enjoy. For those who want to delight in nature, I recommend visiting the beautiful spas offered by the various rivers in the municipality of Tadó. From Las Ánimas, you can get there in just 15 minutes by car. The Bochoromá, Mumbú, and Tadocito rivers are must-visit destinations where you can enjoy a refreshing swim in crystal-clear waters and contemplate the natural beauty surrounding us. Regarding cultural and religious activities, you can visit the sanctuary of San Ecceomo and participate in the festivals we celebrate in the region. In Union Panamericana, the patron saint festivals of San Joaquín are an occasion to enjoy traditional dances and troupes. Outside the municipality, the festivities of San Francisco de Asís in Quibdó are a true cultural treasure.
Despite being a small town, Las Ánimas, the municipality of Union Panamericana, and the Chocó department offer you various gastronomic, cultural, and natural experiences that will leave you amazed. Chocó is a region that everyone should visit at least once to discover its unique charm and hidden treasures.
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Many other young students, like Arcindo, 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 Arcindo 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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