On 13 May, Ignacio was invited by Banco Santander to Madrid for a meeting with Ana Botín and 77 other students from universities across Spain who had received the same scholarship. We spoke with him about his academic journey, the value of sustained effort and his experience representing UIC Barcelona.

Ignacio, how did you hear about the scholarship?

I saw the announcement in May or June last year. To be honest, I found it very difficult to imagine being selected, as it was a university-wide scholarship and there was a great deal of competition: students from Medicine and other faculties, very strong candidates. But I thought I had nothing to lose by applying.

What was it like when you found out you had been awarded it?

I remember a couple of weeks earlier I‘d been told that I was on the waiting list and that applications were still being considered. I thought to myself: “There must be people with better academic records than me.” Then one day, after finishing my exams, I was relaxing in my garden at home when I received a message saying I’d been awarded the scholarship. I couldn’t believe it. I ran inside and had to read the email three times to make sure it was really for me.

What did it mean to you?

It was pure joy. First and foremost, it meant I no longer had to worry about money. My parents have had to make a huge sacrifice to support my studies, and knowing that I could, in some small way, help them financially gave me real peace of mind. It was also a significant form of recognition. There are times when you wonder if all the hard work is worth it, and this scholarship showed me that it is – that perseverance and patience do pay off.

You are now finishing your fourth year of Law. Had you always wanted to follow this path?

Not exactly. I’d previously had quite an unsatisfactory experience at school. I didn’t really find my place or feel particularly motivated, so it wasn’t a stage I enjoyed very much. But when I arrived at UIC Barcelona, I had a mentor who was a notary, and that had a big impact on me. Beyond academics, he helped me bring some order to my life. He showed me that discipline is not just about demands, but also a way of discovering what you really like. Thanks to that, I began to enjoy my Law studies. That same summer, I asked to do an internship at a notary’s office. Even though I had only just finished my first year and still knew very little, I learned a great deal and wanted to continue.

Do you already know what you would like to do in the future?

Yes. After completing my degree, I want to prepare for the notarial practice exams at the Academy of the Notarial Association of Catalonia. It’s a profession I really admire. I’ve done placements in different areas related to Civil Law, at a notary’s office and at the Land Registry, and this has confirmed that this is the path I want to follow. In the end, legal professions are about advising, supporting and being of service to others.

The Excelencia 360° Scholarship takes into account not only academic performance, but also students’ involvement in university life. In your case, what have you been involved in?

I’ve been quite involved in university life. I’ve been a class representative each year, which has been a very positive experience. I saw it as an opportunity to be of service to others and also to challenge myself. You have to respond to your classmates’ needs and that helps you grow a lot. I have also been part of the Student Council, which has been very rewarding. I was able to work with students from other faculties and see that when people are committed, results follow.

On 13 May, you took part in a meeting in Madrid with the 77 students awarded scholarships by Banco Santander. What was it like?

We began by getting to know each other and sharing our experiences. There were students with very different backgrounds, but what struck me most was their willingness to work and contribute to others. I came away very motivated. It was a valuable experience because it allows you to see different perspectives and meet people with similar interests. During the day, we worked in teams, putting forward ideas to Banco Santander on how to make its app useful not only for financial matters but also for everyday aspects such as learning, training and connecting with others. For me, the most valuable part was meeting people.

After everything you have experienced, what does this scholarship mean to you?

It’s a very important form of recognition. I am very grateful to the organisations that support students through scholarships; in my case, it has helped me understand that effort is worthwhile and that perseverance brings results. Yet most of all, it has made me feel valued. It has also reminded me of something I consider very important: everything we receive – opportunities, education and the support of the people around us – also carries a responsibility to try to use it for the benefit of others.