First-Generation College Student Mateo Gomez Ospina Receives ‘Realizing the Dream’ Scholarship

Written by Ella Shelburn

Mateo Gomez Ospina ’27 (Criminal Justice) was one of 29 recipients to receive the annual “Realizing the Dream” Scholarship from the Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI). 

The “Realizing the Dream” Scholarship recognizes one first-generation college student from each private, non-profit college and university in Indiana. Through a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., recipients receive $4,000 to continue their undergraduate studies.

As a first-generation college student, Gomez Ospina says that he did not know what to expect from college initially, especially since his parents told him how difficult it would be. However, Gomez Ospina has enjoyed his experience at UIndy so far.

“My professors are amazing,” said Gomez Ospina. “I love my classes and my classmates.”

Gomez Ospina and the other recipients were honored at a banquet in March at the Eiteljorg Museum. At the banquet, all recipients honored an instructor who helped them throughout their journey. 

Gomez Ospina, who was in ROTC in high school, chose to honor Sergeant Major Joseph Martin of Ben Davis High School. Sergeant Major Martin allowed him to practice leadership roles, which later led Gomez Ospina to become vice president of UIndy’s Student Organization of Latinx (SOL).

“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.

With this scholarship, Gomez Ospina plans to continue his education to make his dream of becoming a police officer a reality. 

“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,” said Gomez Ospina.