Between work shifts, family responsibilities, and a dream that once seemed out of reach, Oscar David Castellanos found at UIS Barbosa a new opportunity to change his life. At 26, he is certain that dreams never disappear—they simply wait for the right moment to be pursued again.
Born in San Benito, Santander, he arrived at the Industrial University of Santander on February 2, 2022, where he now works as part of the security team. What began as a job opportunity soon became the place where he rebuilt one of his greatest aspirations.
“That dream had been with me for a long time. I wanted to belong to a public institution, and I had started the process to become an Army officer, but I couldn’t complete it due to financial and time constraints,” he explains. “That dream was frustrated at the time, but I never stopped thinking about achieving it.”
Giving up, however, was never a final option. It was at UIS Barbosa where that dream found a new path forward. “When I arrived and saw this program, it gave me that extra push to envision myself again and move toward what I wanted,” he says about his decision to study Judicial Management and Criminal Investigation. “I felt it was an opportunity to pick up that dream I had left behind.”
Taking on the challenge
Balancing work and studies was not easy. “Combining study and work was complex because you have to meet all your responsibilities, but with effort, dedication, and good time management, it’s possible,” he affirms.
He also highlights the support he received along the way: “From the very beginning, I was helped and supported—both by my supervisors and my coworkers—and that was key to moving forward.”
The greatest motivation
During this journey, a life-changing moment reshaped his perspective: the birth of his daughter.
“That’s when you start seeing life differently. It’s no longer just about you—there’s someone coming after you, watching what you do and following your steps. That motivated me even more to move forward and to be an example.”
This shift gave new meaning to everything. It was no longer just about achieving a personal goal, but about building a better future. The path was not without challenges—there were moments of exhaustion, doubt, and uncertainty.
“There were times when I thought I wouldn’t make it, because working and studying at the same time is not easy. But thank God, I did it, and today I’m here,” he says with emotion.
Today, that effort is reflected in a milestone that marks a turning point in his life: his graduation as a Technologist in Judicial Management and Criminal Investigation. “This achievement means a lot to me. I feel very happy, very proud to have reached it and to have completed this stage,” he expresses.
Beyond the degree, the process transformed his way of thinking and planning for the future: “It has changed the way I see things. Now I set short-, medium-, and long-term goals instead of just letting time pass,” he explains.
“I want to make one more attempt to join a public institution. It’s something I’ve always wanted, and I will keep fighting for it. Now I see myself trying to enter the National Navy, and I know that with this achievement, I have an advantage.”
Today, he moves forward with more tools, greater clarity, and, above all, the conviction that it is possible.
A message that inspires
Oscar David’s story is also a message for those who feel they cannot move forward. “Everything you desire and want to achieve is possible. Sometimes it’s fear that holds us back, but it’s better to face challenges, try, and fight for your dreams than to live with the frustration of never having tried.”
Today, from UIS Barbosa, his story is celebrated with pride—because behind every uniform, there are dreams waiting for their moment, and people determined not to give up until they achieve them.
