Fund for Educational Excellence
The architect Laura Barbosa tells us about her experience as a beneficiary of the F.E.E. Educational Excellence Fund. To date, about 27 people have been supported to complete their academic studies.
Why did you decide to study architecture?
My dad is an architect so I was fortunate to get involved in his environment; and, above all, to enjoy it. He instilled in me a love of art. Additionally, I consider that I have always been a person with a strong sensitivity, which has helped me to realize the importance and incidence of space to condition our lives; Furthermore, Architecture allows me to materialize a sensible idea and experience it, it gives me the possibility of constructing a more yearning reality.
How was your experience at the University and what do you take with you at the end of the degree?
I can say with total determination that the University has been one of the best times in my life, I totally enjoyed it. It was a new world full of magical experiences, learnings and memories.
It was an opportunity to challenge myself, to know my limits and my scope; and, above all, to fall in love with that profession I had chosen. I take a lot of earnings, very valuable knowledge, teachers who marked my life and who were decisive to make me love what I do, wonderful friends who share my same passion, I take triumphs and falls that remind me that I am also human.
What is your opinion about Colombian architecture?
Colombia has a lot to offer, starting with its people. Colombians are hardworking, kind and hopeful people. We have achieved great achievements in a somewhat hostile context, and what is most valuable to me is that we always retain a cheerful spirit, which I consider to be a common denominator of our talent.
In all fields, from the scientific to the artistic, our people have made great strides; however, I want to place a strong emphasis on Colombian artistic talent, of which I applaud the preservation of the local flavor, which is mixed with the avant-garde of the world, which makes us have a very authentic stamp.
How do you see the performance of women in local architecture?
Architecture throughout history has been a male profession, however, since the 20th century women have positioned themselves in the guild, thus enjoying great female exponents such as Zaha Hadid and Lina Bo Bardi.
In Colombia I am sure that a great generation of architects has been harvested and continues to be harvested who will build a wonderful history in architecture, framed by gender equality and inclusion.
I have seen how the way of working has evolved today, where the desire to be star architects is left behind and now they seek to form studios made up of teams, where each one has something to deliver, where of course, the sensitivity and dedication of the woman are his strong suit. I think that this way of working will greatly enhance Colombian architecture.
"You anonymous angels will always be present in the hearts and minds of those who have generously received your support."
What was the process to apply for the F.E.E. scholarship?
I am part of a large family (we are 6 children, I am the youngest), my parents have always supported me with my dreams; However, being rational, when I graduated we were already 4 daughters in vocational training, which was too expensive for my parents. In this way,
It was very important to find a means of support for my family and for me, I wanted to study architecture, where materials and other career activities are already an additional expense.
A coworker of my mother told her about the Fund, so I decided to apply, I had been very responsible at school, and I obtained a very good result in the Saber 11 tests, so they accepted me from the first semester, That took me a lot of effort and commitment to respond with the scholarship properly.
How did you manage to keep the scholarship throughout the career?
Assuming the commitment that the scholarship meant with full responsibility and maturity. There was a lot of dedication and effort in the process, I always tried to give more than what was demanded of me. There were difficult moments, in which fortunately I always had the support of my family and God to get ahead, having that support was providential.
What is your opinion about the benefactors of the Fund for Educational Excellence?
You, anonymous angels, will always be present in the hearts and minds of those who have generously received your support, we will always ask for your well-being and tranquility.
You make this country a better place. We assure you that we will return the support we have received by being good citizens, competent professionals and upright and conscientious human beings. Additionally, I feel that I have the commitment to repay that support that was given me when my means allow it.
