How far can a young person go when pursuing their dreams with passion and perseverance? Marco’s story is an inspiring example of someone who turned limited opportunities into a path toward success. His journey, from Magüí Payán to the National University of Colombia, shows us that with effort, discipline, and the right support, it is possible to achieve dreams and become a role model for future generations. Get to know Marco’s story, a story of transformation, hope, and overcoming obstacles.
Who is Marco?
I am a Geological Engineering student at the National University of Colombia. I was born in the rural area of Magüí Payán, in the department of Nariño. Due to the security challenges we faced in the countryside, my family relocated to the town center. My home is made up of my mother and my two younger brothers. My mother has always been our strength, our guide, the person who has taken on the roles of both a mother and a father. For years, she cultivated the land, and now she works as a caregiver in a daycare center in a rural area. Although she was only able to complete primary education, her sacrifice has opened the path toward new opportunities for her children.
Today, I am a source of Pride for my mother and an inspiration for my brothers. They see me as a son who never gives up, someone who always finds a way forward and opens doors not only for himself but for his family. I consider myself a person who is persistent, sociable, hardworking, and always willing to help. It motivates me to contribute from my experience and knowledge, and I strive to transform my surroundings with a positive attitude, without giving up in the face of obstacles. Responsibility, discipline, and resilience define me.
Why did you decide to pursue a university degree?
My dream of going to university was born when we moved to the city. There, I met people who made a mark on my life, who believed in me and encouraged me to dream big. One of them was Professor Nora Aguirre, who always supported me unconditionally. She saw in me the potential of someone who wanted to improve himself and profoundly inspired me. The example of her children, who had gotten into university, made me realize that although this path seemed distant, it was also a possibility for me.
For me, university was not just a personal wish; it was a necessity to change the course of my life and that of my family. If I hadn’t gotten in, I would have looked for any opportunity to work, even in an informal job, to continue studying, perhaps at a technical level. I was determined to do whatever it took to achieve that objective, because I knew the future I dreamed of was only possible through education.
What was the greatest challenge you had to overcome to be at university today?
The greatest challenge was without a doubt securing admission. Together with my classmates, we formed a study group to prepare for the standardized exams at the end of high school, knowing that our results would determine our future. When I received my initial score, it was a hard blow: it fell below what I expected and I felt my dream slipping away. It was a moment of deep discouragement. Neither my family nor my friends’ families could afford a private university.
However, I did not give up. I decided to take the National University’s admission exam, and fortunately, my results there complemented my previous score, allowing me to gain admission. That was a decisive moment — the start of a new chapter. Thanks to the Special Admissions and Academic Mobility Program (PEAMA), I was able to start my studies at the Tumaco campus. Later, I chose to continue Geological Engineering at the Medellín campus.
What is your greatest accomplishment at university so far?
One of my first achievements was having a strong academic performance during the first two semesters at the Tumaco campus. That effort was recognized with financial benefits that greatly helped me move forward. It was a vital boost and a confirmation that I was on the right path.
But I am also proud that I have sought a well-rounded education. I have not limited myself to technical knowledge; I have become interested in leadership, conflict resolution, negotiation, decision-making, and teamwork. These skills have opened doors for me, allowing me to connect with valuable people and to build a network that has been key to my progress.
How has the foundation’s support influenced your university experience?
The path toward the scholarship was filled with uncertainty, but thanks to the alliance between impactU Foundation and Smiles Education, I received this support, which has made a huge difference in my life.
The foundation has been much more than financial aid; it has been a constant source of support, motivation, and personal growth. It has allowed me to develop human skills that complement my academic education. It has taught me the value of building networks, relating to people who believe in me and are willing to help me. Today I realize that professional success depends not only on technical knowledge but also on support, community, and the ability to inspire and be inspired.
How do you see yourself in the future?
I want to apply my knowledge in the renewable energy sector or in the oil and gas industry. I am also interested in geotechnical studies applied to infrastructure. I am motivated to continue learning, and I hope to pursue graduate studies and gain work experience abroad, especially in leading countries in my field.
But above all, I dream of returning and contributing to the development of the region where I was born. I want my journey to inspire other young people like me to believe that a better future is possible.
To conclude, tell us about Magüí Payán, Nariño. What do you miss? What should we know?
What I miss most is the taste of home-cooked food, prepared with so much love by my mother and aunts. I also miss the community meals, those outdoor gatherings where the community comes together to share and celebrate life. Dishes like hen sancocho, fish sudado, tapado, or encocados are a delicious reminder of home, tradition, and unity.
In Magüí Payán, it is also a tradition to prepare wild meats, like armadillos or rabbits, considered healthy due to their natural diet. Coconut sweets, chontaduro, and native fruits are another cherished memory I carry with me.
But Magüí Payán is more than food. It is a living culture. The patron saint festivities in honor of Jesus of Nazareth are a riot of faith and color, attracting pilgrims from other countries. The traditional music and dances, like currulao and mapalé, with their African roots, form the soul of the region.
And of course, there is the rich nature: rivers, waterfalls, and exuberant vegetation — a paradise that still awaits greater opportunities for development, and to which I hope to return one day to contribute what I have learned.
Would you like to meet other beneficiaries?
We invite you to meet Alejandro.
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