Santiago.- What for years was a broom and the streets of the city, today became a toga and a university degree. The story of María Magdalena Almánzar Campos, who worked as a street sweeper in the Santiago City Hall while struggling to complete her studies, has moved the citizenry after graduating with a degree in Law, becoming a symbol of effort, dignity and self-improvement.
Mother of two daughters, Almánzar managed to achieve her goal after facing serious economic difficulties, exhausting workdays, and multiple obstacles that, far from stopping her, reinforced her determination to change her destiny through education.
“I earned my degree through sacrifice. I swept the streets, and even so, I never stopped thinking about my goal. There were times when I couldn’t afford to pay for university, but I collected bottles in the street, saved them, and with that, I helped cover my studies,” she expressed excitedly.
The new professional, a graduate of the Open University for Adults (UAPA), explained that her path was marked by moments of uncertainty and lack, but she never allowed difficulties to extinguish her dream of becoming a lawyer.
“There were very difficult times, too difficult, when I asked God for strength to continue. But I never thought of giving up. I said I was going to get a degree and that I was going to achieve my purpose,” she affirmed.
Almánzar recalled that, during her process, some people tried to discourage her due to her age and social condition, although she also found those who encouraged her to move forward.
“There are people who say to you: ‘Why are you going to study now?’ But there are also people who lift your spirits and tell you to keep going. I decided not to look back,” she stated.
Her story was one of the most applauded during the event in which the Mayor’s Office of Santiago recognized 25 exemplary women from the city and the country, outstanding in different areas.
The activity took place in the Juan Pablo Duarte hall of the City Hall, on the eve of International Women’s Day, and was attended by authorities and public figures, including the Vice President of the Republic, Raquel Peña, who was also honored.
During the event, María Magdalena Almánzar received recognition for her inspiring career, eliciting a prolonged standing ovation from the attendees, who valued the story of a woman who, while sweeping the streets, silently built the path towards her dream of practicing Law.
After obtaining his degree, Almánzar announced that he is preparing to assume new responsibilities within the Santiago City Hall, where he has the support of the municipal authorities to occupy a position in accordance with his professional training.
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Finally, he sent a message to those who have dropped out or postponed their studies.
“Dreams can come true. Age doesn’t matter. What you study, no one can take away from you. If I could do it, others can achieve it too,” he indicated.
