Indianapolis, Indiana – Mateo Gomez Ospina, a Criminal Justice major at the University of Indianapolis (UIndy), is one of the 29 students honored with the prestigious “Realizing the Dream” Scholarship. Awarded by the Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI), this scholarship celebrates first-generation college students who have shown exceptional dedication and promise in their academic journey. The scholarship includes a generous $4,000 grant to help recipients continue their education.
The “Realizing the Dream” Scholarship is particularly meaningful for students like Gomez Ospina, who are navigating the challenges of higher education without the guidance of family members who have attended college themselves. As the first in his family to pursue a college degree, Gomez Ospina faced uncertainties about what to expect from college life. He recalled how his parents had warned him about the difficulties of higher education, but despite the initial concerns, Gomez Ospina has found his experience at UIndy to be overwhelmingly positive.
“My professors are amazing,” Gomez Ospina said. “I love my classes and my classmates.” His enthusiasm for his academic environment is clear, and the support he has received from faculty members has played a key role in his success so far. The “Realizing the Dream” Scholarship not only provides financial support but also serves as a recognition of his hard work and perseverance.
In March, Gomez Ospina and the other recipients were honored at a special banquet held at the Eiteljorg Museum. The event brought together students, their families, and faculty members to celebrate the accomplishments of these outstanding first-generation students. During the banquet, each scholarship recipient had the opportunity to honor an instructor who had been instrumental in their educational journey.
For Gomez Ospina, the teacher he chose to honor was Sergeant Major Joseph Martin, his instructor in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) at Ben Davis High School. Sergeant Major Martin played a pivotal role in shaping Gomez Ospina’s leadership skills and fostering his personal growth. The experiences he gained in ROTC, particularly in leadership roles, have had a lasting impact on him.
“He was a person who put a lot of dedication into the ROTC program, and thanks to him, I have a lot of experience as a leader,” said Gomez Ospina. His time in ROTC helped him develop the skills that eventually led to his position as vice president of the Student Organization of Latinx (SOL) at UIndy, where he continues to serve as a leader in the campus community.
Looking ahead, Gomez Ospina has big plans for his future, and the “Realizing the Dream” Scholarship is an important step toward achieving his goals. He is determined to become a police officer in Indiana, where he hopes to serve as a cultural bridge between the police department and the Hispanic communities in the area. His dream is to make a positive impact by fostering understanding and cooperation between law enforcement and diverse communities.
“My dream is to become a police officer here in Indiana, and serve as a cultural bridge between the police department and our Hispanic communities,” Gomez Ospina said. His aspirations reflect his commitment to making a difference in his community and using his education and experiences to contribute to a more inclusive and connected society.
The “Realizing the Dream” Scholarship is just one of many initiatives aimed at supporting first-generation college students in their pursuit of higher education. For students like Gomez Ospina, the scholarship provides not only financial assistance but also the encouragement and recognition they need to continue striving toward their dreams. With his leadership skills, determination, and passion for community service, Gomez Ospina is well on his way to achieving his goals and making a meaningful impact in his future career.
