Exalumnos

By: Sebastián Marchena Rodríguez, Marketing – Colegio San José Colegio San José de Barranquilla is proud to share the inspiring story of one of its outstanding alumna: Priscilla Torres, Class of 2020. She recently graduated with honors from university, showing that dreams can indeed be achieved through discipline, strong values, and a quality education. In this interview, Priscila tells us how her time at Colegio San José shaped her life and became the launching pad for a successful university career—made possible in part thanks to the ACODESI scholarship, an opportunity available to those who believe in themselves and the power of transformative education. What lessons or values did you receive at Colegio San José that were key to your academic and professional achievements? Priscilla Torres:Respect, empathy for others, and responsibility were definitely fundamental values. Colegio San José not only gave me a solid academic foundation but also a human-centered education that has been essential in every stage of my life. What was your student life like at Colegio San José? What activities did you enjoy, and what do you remember most fondly? Priscilla Torres:I always loved the arts building. From a very young age, I was drawn to everything related to art and music. I have very fond memories of music, dance, and other artistic activities. While I may not remember all the teachers’ names, the experiences I had in those areas remain deeply meaningful. Do you think those school experiences influenced your career choice? Priscilla Torres:Absolutely. They helped me discover my true passions, which led me to pursue Industrial Design. I’ve always loved art, design, and innovation, and that interest was born and nurtured at school. You received the ACODESI scholarship. How did you come to access it? Priscila Torres:The process began thanks to the guidance of a school psychologist who introduced the opportunity to my family. My mother played a key role in following up and managing the application. After evaluating several options, I was finally awarded the scholarship to study in Bogotá. Although it was a tough decision, given the new city and different culture, it turned out to be an incredibly enriching experience. Did you have to apply or compete for the scholarship? Priscila Torres:There wasn’t a formal competition, but the process was long. Fortunately, I received a quick response from Universidad Javeriana. This scholarship was a huge opportunity that allowed me to broaden my worldview. I studied in a city that was new to me, adapted to a different culture, and completed my internship at Grupo Bolívar, working in a field I love: design and innovation. What was it like to live and study in a different city? Priscila Torres:At first, it was difficult. The culture was very different, and I had a lot of fears. But over time, I matured significantly. I became more independent and learned how to navigate a new environment on my own. I always had the support of my parents and family, which was fundamental. Upon graduating, you received a special award. Can you tell us more about it? Priscila Torres:Yes, I received a Merit Award, a recognition given for maintaining a high academic average throughout the university years—above 4.3 or 4.5. It was a moment of great pride and gratitude. All the effort and discipline paid off. I felt deeply thankful to my family and to Colegio San José, which served as the bridge that led me to this amazing opportunity. What message would you give to current Colegio San José students who dream of following a similar path? Priscila Torres:I would tell them to work with discipline and believe in their abilities. As my mother always told me, the path won’t always be easy—there will be setbacks—but every effort is rewarded. Make the most of everything the school offers, both academically and personally. Finally, why would you recommend other families to enroll their children at Colegio San José? Priscila Torres:Because Colegio San José doesn’t just form excellent students—it forms good people. It’s a holistic institution based on principles and values. I fondly remember my involvement in Pastoral, where I had enriching experiences that helped me grow as a person. We had the chance to do social work, visit communities, and help others—something that was incredibly meaningful for my formation. Priscila’s story is a clear example of how Jesuit education goes beyond the classroom and leaves a lasting impact. At Colegio San José, students not only develop their academic potential but are formed as committed, ethical, and capable leaders ready to transform the world. If you want your children to experience an education that leaves a lifelong mark, come and discover everything Colegio San José has to offer. Orgullo San José: Priscila Torres, un testimonio de excelencia, esfuerzo y gratitud El Colegio San José de Barranquilla se enorgullece en compartir la historia de una de sus egresadas destacadas: Priscilla Torres, Promoción 2020, quien recientemente culminó sus estudios universitarios con honores y nos demuestra que los sueños se alcanzan con disciplina, valores sólidos y una educación de calidad. En esta entrevista, Priscila nos cuenta cómo su paso por el Colegio San José marcó su vida y fue el punto de partida para una carrera universitaria exitosa, gracias también a la beca ACODESI, una oportunidad que está al alcance de quienes creen en sí mismos y en el poder de la educación transformadora. ¿Qué aprendizajes o valores que recibiste en el Colegio San José crees que fueron claves para alcanzar tus logros académicos y profesionales? Definitivamente, el respeto, la empatía hacia los demás y la responsabilidad fueron valores fundamentales. El Colegio San José no solo me dio bases académicas sólidas, sino también una formación humana que ha sido clave en cada etapa de mi vida. ¿Cómo fue tu vida como estudiante del Colegio San José? ¿Qué actividades disfrutabas y qué recuerdas con mayor cariño? Siempre me gustó muchísimo el edificio de artes. Desde muy pequeña me sentí atraída por todo lo relacionado con el arte y la música. Recuerdo con