Their story, their dreams

Their story, their dreams

He was born on June 7, 2007, in Cali, Colombia. During his early years, he lived in Siloé, a neighborhood located on the hillside of Cali. There, people had to contend with violence and insecurity. Although he was very young, he does not clearly remember everything that happened at that time. Nevertheless, he grew up in a place that played a significant role in his early experiences. From the moment he was born, his life was marked by hardships. Over time, these challenges became part of his learning process and helped him grow as an individual.

When she was only three days old, she showed symptoms of jaundice due to a blood incompatibility between her and her mother. Her health deteriorated, and she had to be hospitalized for seven days. These were very difficult days for the family, as her life was at risk. Fortunately, she managed to recover, but there were lasting effects that later impacted her hearing and cognitive development. Following the hospitalization, her mother received a discouraging diagnosis. Nevertheless, she decided not to lose hope and sought ways to help her daughter develop her capabilities.

Her mother became a pivotal figure in her development. Rather than being swayed by medical prognoses, she chose to support her with love, patience, and dedication. To better understand her needs, she became an early childhood educator and committed herself to fostering her learning. At home, she served as her first teacher, guiding her to discover new things, develop her skills, and gain confidence in her own abilities. She never treated her as a child incapable of learning, but rather as an individual who deserved opportunities to grow and achieve her own goals.

At the age of three, she started attending a daycare center, but she did not feel comfortable there. She told her mother that the teacher was bothering her. Concerned, her mother decided to take her out and began teaching her at home. At age four, she entered a transitional grade (preschool/kindergarten). There, she encountered teachers who were kind and greatly supported her learning. Later, she began primary school, and gradually, she realized that she enjoyed studying. Every moment offered her new ways to learn, to get to know other people, and to improve her skills.

At the age of four, she was diagnosed with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, ranging from severe to profound. This diagnosis helped her understand her hearing difficulties. From that point on, she began using hearing aids. At first, they felt strange and uncomfortable, and she found it difficult to accept them as part of her life. Sometimes she would take them out because she felt embarrassed and uncomfortable wearing them. However, her mother insisted that she use them and supported her throughout the adjustment process.

As she grew up, she faced many challenges, but she also discovered what she was capable of and how she preferred to learn. Her early life experiences taught her the importance of perseverance, patience, and self-belief. Her mother’s support was crucial in helping her continue her education and maintain faith in her own abilities. Every stage of her life offered an opportunity to learn something new and to understand that difficulties do not define the full extent of what a person can achieve.

Today, he continues to forge his own path, driven to reach his goals, complete his studies, and secure a future full of opportunities. His story shows that, even when life begins with hardships, love, effort, and hope can become a source of strength.