Two students, Alexia Ortiz Gonzales and Gracia Alondra López Tirado, have shared their stories as members of the 475th anniversary generation at Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (UNMSM), according to a May 6 announcement. Both women describe their personal journeys to higher education and the challenges they overcame to join Peru’s oldest university.
Their experiences highlight broader trends in educational access and gender equity. Ortiz, who transitioned from military training at the Peruvian Air Force Officers’ School to study law at UNMSM’s new Chilca campus, said her decision was driven by a long-standing commitment to justice. “When I was little, in school, I dreamed of studying law. When a problem arose, I defended the person I believed was right,” she said. She added that her family background influenced her early choices but ultimately decided on law due to her passion for fairness.
Ortiz also described how logistical changes benefited her: moving from Mala to Chilca meant shorter commutes and greater access to education outside Lima Metropolitan area. She noted an increase in female students at her campus: “I think it’s great because before few women went on to study. Now girls seek self-improvement, want to be professionals and achieve something in life.” The university uses multiple campuses including provincial extensions according to the official website.
López Tirado became the first member of her family from Huaral province both to attend university and enter UNMSM’s Faculty of Economics after significant effort and daily travel for exam preparation. She recounted early mornings commuting from Huaral: “I would wake up at three in the morning… My mom would prepare lunch for me… We left home at five so I could get to class by eight.” Her perseverance paid off when she secured admission on March 7.
Both students emphasized gratitude toward their families and acknowledged growing opportunities for women in higher education compared with previous generations. López said: “In my family there were no female university graduates before—only men… Today more opportunities are opening up for women that we must take advantage of.” UNMSM promotes cultural well-being through responsibility, equity, inclusion initiatives; offers numerous undergraduate programs; leads public universities nationally; operates autonomously under Peru’s constitution; and focuses on sustainable development according to the official website.
The stories of Ortiz Gonzales and López Tirado reflect ongoing efforts by Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos not only toward academic excellence but also supporting social progress among diverse student populations.
