It's Official!

Héctor Granados -

Clases of 2021

Bachelor's Degree in Criminology and Criminalistics | La Salle Bajío University

When Héctor is asked what was the most difficult part of his university journey, he doesn't hesitate to answer: "entering a world totally different from the one I was used to."

“I arrived at university with a profile I thought I had to fulfill: always be the best, do my share of activities, stand out among my classmates. I thought that, coming from a different background, it would be much harder for me to prove my worth.”

“I interacted with students from other programs, from other states and municipalities, which helped me broaden my horizons. I was able to fully enjoy my studies, surrounded by people who were always willing to give me advice or help me with any subject.”

Jóvenes Adelante was also key along this path. "If I ever felt challenged, it was because they knew my potential. That helped me overcome my fears and believe in myself more."

Today, Héctor celebrates completing his studies, earning his degree and professional license. He proudly declares: "It's official!"

José Luis Bustamante González -

Class of 2015

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering | Querétaro Institute of Technology

"The most beautiful part of this phase was completing this training process while I was already practicing my career. You really learn to value the sleepless nights, the stress, and the time invested; letting go of many things in order to prioritize studying. It's not like you apply everything you learned, but it all helps you better understand and ease your adaptation to the world of work.

The hardest part was wanting to finish things, picking myself up after each stumble, because sometimes you are your own worst enemy: getting out of your own way, finding excuses to avoid doing what you need to do, putting things off, or leaving things unfinished. But from all of this comes the greatest learning. There's a phrase that stuck with me throughout this whole process, something someone once told me: 'Solutions, not problems,´ and that phrase is absolutely true.

I'm grateful to Jóvenes Adelante for their support throughout my career. It was a long road, with health and academic issues, and they were there - asking how they could help, connecting me with the right people, supporting me with English classes and a computer. Because support isn't just monetary: it's also accompanying and supporting you to the best of their ability.

During every step of your career, it's always necessary to be open, because no one is a fortune teller, and if you don't speak, you're not heard.

Recently graduating, I had the opportunity to join a company where I had to start from scratch, but already practicing my career. Now I've been growing professionally, although I always have in mind to keep climbing the ladder.

It's not easy, but always moving forward. My near future lies in continuing to learn, gain experience, and strive to excel. If I reach a ceiling, I'll look for new projects, even starting a small business and exploring the Bajío market. The rest will come with time.

I've even thought about pursuing a master's degree or, at some point, a second degree - but online, so as not to deviate from my goals or neglect an area by taking on too much.

We sometimes put this final credentialing part of the process aside. The famous `tomorrow´ is the phrase we use most: we stall, we look for excuses. But think of it this way: this is really the last step on the ladder.

Yes, there's pressure or fear about what comes next... but by closing that door, you can open another. It's like putting a comma, not a full stop period, because you never know when you'll need it again.

At the bottom of the ladder, you might think it's useless, but if your goal is to keep climbing, at the top, they'll ask for these papers. That's why you always have to aim high and not be complacent."

"Son, we've already given you everything in our power. Now you decide the course of your life. We've given you the tools, and with them you can build your own future. That's my greatest legacy: not riches or jewels, but the strength, values, and tools to keep you going." (Luis' father, Juan Manuel)

Mario Ricardo Llamas Santana -

Class of 2018

Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery | University of Guanajuato

"Leaving my comfort zone: leaving home, being away from my family, and distancing myself from my loved ones felt hardest for me.

At the same time, I realized that the path I was choosing and every decision I made would depend solely on me and would have a huge impact on my future.

The best thing was all the academic development that led me to become the professional I am today, as well as the people who were by my side always supporting me: my family, my friends, and, of course, Jóvenes Adelante, who has been with me from the beginning.

Jóvenes Adelante was always attentive to me and my progress, offering me financial support, in addition to the guidance of my mentor and the tutors assigned to me. I believe that without them I would not have been able to take this great path.

I am currently preparing to enter a medical specialty and complete my residency. I study daily and work to contribute to household expenses. My dream is to become a surgeon.

My advice to students about finishing their degree is never to get discouraged. Every mistake or failure brings us closer to our own success. It's important to know how to constantly fall and get back up, and also to remember that there are always people willing to support you when you need it.

The road is still long, but all the effort and study invested will bring its rewards."

María Fernanda Hernández Villafranco -

Class of 2021

Bachelor's Degree in Nursing | Autonomous University of Querétaro

"The most challenging part of this process was not giving up in the moments of greatest uncertainty, when fear and the feeling of inability tried to hold me back. Overcoming these personal barriers required perseverance, discipline, and a great deal of resilience.

On the other hand, the most wonderful part was discovering the value of the people around me, especially my family, who encouraged me to keep going; seeing how they trusted me and offered their support and encouragement allowed me to recognize that I was not alone on this path and that they believed in my ability to achieve it.

The support from Jóvenes Adelante was fundamental. Beyond the financial support, I received psychological counseling that helped me overcome challenges and grow in different aspects of my life.

I had the opportunity to join an inspiring community made up of scholarship recipients, mentors, tutors, and sponsors: people who recognized my potential, believed in my abilities, and, through their human qualities, left significant lessons that will mark my life forever.

One year after graduating, I find myself in a process of consolidation. Professional, focused on discovering projects that remind me every day of the reason I chose this career and that make me feel fulfilled and accomplished.

I aspire to continue learning and growing, avoiding comfort and stagnation, and to dare to take nursing to a higher level, even exploring opportunities in other countries, where advancements and knowledge allow me to broaden my vision and enrich my professional practice.

My advice for students close to graduating is not to be overwhelmed by the process. It includes challenging requirements such as community service, exit exams, and, in some cases, [English] and a thesis. Many graduates, out of fear or discouragement, fail to complete them and, consequently, never earn their degree.

However, that final effort is worth it: holding the degree in your hands is a deeply satisfying experience, as it symbolizes the fruit of all the work invested and becomes the key that will open new doors and opportunities toward your dreams."