In this new installment of our series to introduce our beneficiaries, we present Maria Camila, a Law student at the University of Antioquia, who left Amalfi with a dream that once felt uncertain and is now moving forward with determination. Her story shows what it means to carve out a path when resources are limited, find support in the right people, and turn uncertainty into purpose.
Who is Maria Camila?
I’m from the municipality of Amalfi. I was born and raised there, in a very safe and close-knit environment. I graduated from high school in 2016. I always dreamed of continuing my education after finishing school, although I was not sure I would be able to achieve it. I consider myself a dreamer, persistent, and very close to my family. I really enjoy spending time with my parents, my siblings, and my nieces and nephews. Friendship is also fundamental in my life, and my friends hold a very special place. Academically, I always try to give my best. I enjoy learning, exploring new things, and reading. Before university, I used to read literature; now I mostly read books related to my studies. I am currently studying Law at the University of Antioquia.
I come from a large family. I have five siblings and three nieces and nephews. We are very close and spend a lot of time together. My parents lived for many years in the rural area of Amalfi, but eventually moved to the town center. My father has always worked in physically demanding jobs. Today, he works in a construction materials warehouse, helping with the distribution of goods, although two years ago he had a workplace accident that affected his physical capacity. My mother used to work cleaning houses, but due to health reasons she can no longer work. At the moment, my father is the one who financially supports the family. I love spending time with my nieces and nephews, and whenever I go back to Amalfi I try to be with them. One of my brothers is a carpenter, another is a motorcycle mechanic. Only one of my siblings and I managed to graduate from high school. The others started working at a very young age and, over time, lost interest in studying. Going to university has become an example for my nieces and nephews. I like being a role model for them. I have another sister who works in a restaurant and another brother who also works as a motorcycle mechanic. In total, we are five siblings, and I am the second youngest. My father studied up to third grade, and my mother completed fifth grade.
Why did you decide to pursue higher education?
In school, I had friends who were already very clear about wanting to go to university. Although I was a good student, I did not see a clear path to make it happen. Several of my friends were children of teachers and had more information and support at home. One of them even had a brother who was already in university. Through those friendships, I began to understand the admissions process. One friend in particular was key. Since she had a clear goal and was already preparing for admission, I decided to join her effort. It was like following her lead.
My school did not offer any motivation or support to pursue higher education. This is a major gap in public schools outside cities: there is no information, guidance, or orientation to help students continue beyond high school. Without that network of friends, I probably would not have seriously considered going to university. Rural public education urgently needs real tools so that more young people can dream and plan for a different future.
What was the biggest challenge you had to overcome to be where you are today?
The biggest challenge was overcoming financial limitations. Even though I really wanted to study and my parents supported my dream, the reality was that my family lived on the minimum wage my father earned. Getting to university required a huge effort to carefully plan how to manage such a limited budget. I had to think about housing, food, transportation, and everything needed to make my studies viable. I could not afford to make mistakes or improvise. Every expense, every step had to be measured. There was no room for error.
If I had not made it to university, I would probably feel stuck, working in a store or restaurant in Amalfi. Going to university and moving to a big city like Medellin has been a huge transformation for me. You are exposed to a completely new world, with ideas, people, and opportunities that do not exist in a town like mine. It changes how you see yourself. It pushes you to grow, adapt, and dream bigger.
What has been your most important achievement so far?
I would say the most important thing has been my personal transformation. University, and the experience of living away from home, has helped me grow immensely. It has changed the way I think, how I see the world, and how I understand my past. I now have a clearer, more critical perspective. I have come to know myself deeply. I have learned to be more independent, more confident, and more aware of my surroundings.
Having a clear direction and a strong sense of purpose is something I did not have before. That process of inner growth is what makes me most proud. I am not only learning about law, I am learning about who I am and who I want to become. That has no price. This kind of maturity and clarity does not come without effort, without living away from home, and without facing challenges that push you out of your comfort zone.
How has impactU influenced your university experience?
My experience as a student changed completely once I became a beneficiary of impactU. I joined at a critical moment in my academic journey, just when professional internships begin and you start applying what you have learned. Being part of impactU means security, peace of mind, health, and quality time. My environment changed entirely. I now have more flexibility to get around and to eat better. This has had a direct impact on my health and overall well-being.
Before, I lived in constant uncertainty, which over time creates deep emotional strain. Now I can sleep better. I feel safe, calm, supported, and better equipped to keep moving forward. Having access to English classes, for example, has been a great opportunity. I now feel I have the conditions I need to focus on my studies and my professional growth. I am building a future without the stress of making ends meet every month. Before, I was just getting by. Now, I can breathe.
How do you see your future?
I would like to work as a lawyer in international family law, especially in areas related to child adoption. I dream of pursuing a specialization in family law. I want to live with stability and peace of mind. I would love to work remotely, organizing my time with more flexibility. This would allow me to support my family and stay close to them, while continuing to grow professionally.
After graduating, I would like to return to Amalfi for a while. Although I am not sure where I will settle permanently, I will always carry my hometown in my heart. I am excited about becoming a professional who is useful to others, especially to those who come from backgrounds like mine. I want my nieces and nephews to see that it is possible. That no matter where you come from, you can go far if you find support and put in the effort every day.
To close, tell us about Amalfi, Antioquia. What do you miss? What should we know?
Amalfi is known as the town where no one is a stranger. People are recognized for their warmth. It is a welcoming place, with a cool climate that feels refreshing, especially for those looking to escape the heat. It is surrounded by mountains, but the town center is flat, which makes it easy to get around. The urban layout is a grid, so it is very easy to navigate. There are many rivers where people can swim, and several nearby waterfalls that are frequently visited. One of them, with multiple levels, is called Los Tequendamas. Coffee is the main product of the municipality.
When it comes to food, I recommend a restaurant called Las Arepas. The menu is delicious. All the arepas are handmade and grilled over charcoal. They are served with hogao, cheese, chorizo, and other ingredients. It is one of the places I most recommend. A unique aspect of Amalfi is that many people get around by bicycle, which is helped by the flat terrain. In terms of cultural activities, there are the Fiestas de la Paz y el Progreso, the town’s traditional celebrations. In July, the Festival of the Farmer takes place, when farmers come down to town and participate in contests designed especially for them. In August, there is a kite festival by a nearby river, where families spend the day cooking traditional dishes like sancocho or bean soup. There is even a contest for the best meal. Amalfi is full of life, history, and community. It will always be my home.
Would you like to meet other beneficiaries?
We invite you to meet Darío.
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