On Thursday November 22- 2012- student of AIU- Luis Eliseo Orozco earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in a solemn graduation ceremony held in the city of Guatemala. The graduation of Luis Orozco constitutes as an act that is necessary to highlight due to his visual impairment- making it necessary to explain his story to serve as an inspiration to other students around the world.
In June 2008- after leaving work- Luis was driving his car with his family and suddenly heard bullets firing. Without warning- he found himself in the middle of gunfire- resulting in an injury to the face that left him blind.
Luis spent a year and a half in recovery and adapting to his new lifestyle. With a well-fortified inner attitude- he decides to face new challenges and use all the resources to lead the Blind Association in Guatemala and remain a productive man. He returned to work in January 2010 in the same company that he worked at- which opened their doors again- assigning him administrative functions. His new approach to life: A formation that offers new challenges where he can concentrate his best efforts to a professional life.
He enrolls as a student in AIU in February 2010- in the Bachelor of Business Administration program.
From his own experience as a student and as a person who is blind- states: “My enrollment in AIU was a great personal challenge but also a great challenge for the University- which at that time took responsibility for making all the classes accessible for an visual impairment. Throughout the process of my studies there were a few times that I had no supporting material available for my condition; however the professionalism of all the advisors in the school exhibition and my perseverance in them eased the lack of such material. Largely available were classes- homework and exams in digital format which facilitated the process of knowledge acquisition while validating my experience in the business environment”.
Fulfilling one of his biggest dreams- he finalizes successfully and with honors his professional career in a solemn and moving graduation ceremony in Guatemala City.
Surrounded by his peers- family and guests- directs a speech to the audience- noting that his first decision being visually impaired was to find inner peace which he needed- then decided to focus on the new capabilities that could develop and continue fighting for a better future for himself- for his family and for others who have suffered the tragedy of being victims of violence or who have visual disabilities.
Evidence of his humanity is his graduation project named: “Pre-Investment Study level profile of a carpenter who offers custom furniture in zone four of the Mixco Township- the department of Guatemala-” work that was approved by excellence .
In his message for AIU Luis Orozco said: “Completing my professional studies is an experience of which this University forms a major part”.
His story should serve as an inspiration to all of us. And as cliché as it may sound- this is proof that no matter the circumstances- we can all achieve what we desire as long as we put our minds to it.
