In Episode 14 we meet Ignacio Rodriguez, a Master’s Candidate in Education Policy Analysis at the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE).

From a rural town in Colombia, Ignacio shares his journey as a first-generation college student. He began learning English at the age of 16, went on to become a Fulbright Scholar, and most recently delivered the HGSE Student Commencement Speech.

In this conversation, Ignacio reflects on the experiences that shaped his path and the importance of believing in where you can go, even when ones circumstances may suggest otherwise. His message for listeners: “where you are born does not determine how far you will go.”

In this episode, we discuss:
• Growing up in rural Colombia
• Ignacio's journey to Harvard
• Navigating scholarships and financial aid
• Believing, belonging, and becoming

Beyond Harvard is a platform sharing the stories of students at Harvard University - uncovering who they are at Harvard and beyond.

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Connect with Ignacio:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ignaciorodriguez-artunduaga/?isSelfProfile=false
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ignaciorodriguezart/
Watch Ignacio's HGSE Commencement Speech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjPKki6Mo-0

Credits:
Host: Rashana Weerasinghe
Guest: Ignacio Rodriguez
Videographer / Editor: Yaoming Duan
Location: Harvard University

Chapters
00:00-3:45 Intro
3:45-8:33 Childhood in Colombia
8:33-14:06 Types of Privilege
14:06-18:30 Decision to Apply to Harvard
18:30-25:00 Journey to Harvard
25:00- 26:44 Fulbright Scholar
26:44-30:50 Scholarship Applications
30:50-33:18 Accepted to Harvard
33:18-48:23 Navigating Financial Aid
48:23-53:30 Challenges at Harvard
53:50-55:44 Overcoming Failure
55:44-1:04:52 Identity Struggles
1:04:52-1:08:32 Rapid Fire with Rashana*

Disclaimer: Beyond Harvard is an independent platform. All views are our own.

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