I got to know the IMPACT-U Foundation during the pandemic and felt fortunate like rare times before. In those days, the entire world least expected a helping hand. Covid-19 gradually took over every household worldwide, including supermarkets and jobs, and even separated loved ones and families. The outlook was nothing encouraging but one of uncertainty. For the first time, my country listened to our president daily, only to hear words that basically meant we were each on our own. That’s when I left Medellin, where I was studying History at the University of Antioquia, to head back home. And like chess pieces, everything started to fall apart: my mother, who was taking care of me, had her salary cut in half; the university stopped the financial aid it used to provide us. During the lockdown, every day was a victory.
One of those days, I learned about the scholarship. It targeted students outside Medellin. As my mother says, trying never hurt anybody, even if it looks like a long shot. I recorded a video showing my situation and added the audio of a heartfelt speech, of which I remember these words: “young people in Colombia should only worry about studying.” A few months later, a video call – back then, everything was virtual – informed me that I had been selected. I remember telling my mom, and she, somewhat incredulous, said, “Is this for real?” It sure was, and soon enough, she knew it too, seeing all the benefits the scholarship brought. English classes, mentorship from people who graduated from my field with impeccable resumes, and support that felt like that of a family who, fortunately, had chosen me. Plus, a financial disbursement allowed me to make a reality what I had expressed in my video: I only had to worry about studying.
Today, I’m about to graduate. The road has been long and winding, like all I left behind. The Foundation has been with me for over two years. Gradually, I saw so many changes in my life that my mom and the Foundation came to mind when I thought about how they were possible. I perfected my English to the point where I could hold an entire conversation with a native English speaker of the United States. Also, my Harvard graduate mentor has taught me so much that I’ve broadened my horizons thanks to her and our countless conversations. Of course, I also experienced economic changes. I managed to take a burden off my mother’s shoulders. I also secured my housing and food without depending on anyone and doing odd jobs, often poorly paid. Thanks to the scholarship, I even managed to change the plastic chair I had been studying in for two and a half years before the Foundation came into my life. I couldn’t afford one initially, and it had been a gift from the person renting me a room in Medellin. After the scholarship, I was able to get a more comfortable chair. The example may seem small, but it’s the chair I’m sitting in now, and here I am, realizing that my life has changed even in that respect, thanks to the Foundation.
Bryan Andrés Mosquera
History Student at the University of Antioquia
IMPACT-U Foundation Scholarship Recipient 2020-2023
March 15, 2023.
