“Limits are in the mind”

The dream of traveling the world, getting to know new cultures and enjoying his job, began to come true for Pedro Nel Pava Sierra when he decided to start his studies in Tourism and Hotel Management Technology at UCundinamarca.

“The most important thing was my determination, my desire to get ahead, and my pursuit of dreams. I had the opportunity to work on cruise ships and travel the world thanks to my hotel management degree, which opened doors for me,” the graduate stated.

Pava Sierra states that her love for what she does and her perseverance allowed her to become part of Norwegian Cruise Line, a world-renowned cruise company, where she was able to visit different places in Europe, Africa, Central America, and the United States.

Pedro built his career step by step, supported by UCundinamarca. His professional story begins when he worked as a bellboy at the Military Club of Non-Commissioned Officers in Melgar and made the decision to study at UCundinamarca what he liked and what would help him fulfill his dreams.

“When I started studying, they allowed me to take on another role at the Club and I was very excited because I felt I was advancing in my career,” Pedro explained, recalling those years when he would wake up at home in Flandes, work in Melgar, and study in Girardot at night.

All that sacrifice was rewarded when, upon graduating, he became a reservations coordinator, then an accommodation coordinator. “I was happy; I felt like I was fulfilling my dream and that the company that was taking me on was valuing my education. One day I received my appointment as an employee and I felt that my life had changed, but that I still had a long way to go,” Pedro recalled.

After receiving her degree from UCundinamarca in 2013 as a technologist in Tourism and Hotel Management, she decided to study English because she felt she could continue growing and perhaps one day leave the country and work in other places, and she asserted that "Limits are in the mind.".

Traveling the world

While continuing to work at the club that had given him his start in life, Pedro Nel began applying to join Norwegian Cruise Line. He passed the exams and interviews, and once he had successfully completed these tests, he was called to Bogotá for training and to embark on his first cruise.

“They prepared me for the ship and when I was ready they sent me to Europe to embark on my first cruise where I started doing services at the hotel, I had to do everything and I was on that ship for several months,” the graduate explained.

Leaving the country, getting to know other cultures, perfecting his language, and generating a good income allowed Pedro Nel to project his life much more and realize that it's okay to dream regardless of age.

This 35-year-old man spent two years of his life traveling on different cruises where he put into practice many of the teachings of UCundinamarca, but above all he learned more every day.

The return home

“When the pandemic started, everyone on the ships went home. The company contacts us periodically to tell us that everything is fine and that they are waiting to resume trips,” explained Pedro Nel.

The graduate has since returned home and has been working again for several months at the Melgar Military Club, which has always believed in him. He is waiting for the Covid-19 emergency to pass so he can travel again and continue pursuing his dream.

The graduate states that if it weren't for his studies at UCundinamarca, his dreams would be up in the air. "Having a hotel management degree opens doors, that's why I tell those who are studying not to give up on their dreams and that it's worth getting an education, getting ahead, and being very happy.".

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