Transformative Power of Education: Inspiring Journey in the Mayan Zone

Ismael Briseño Mukul, a native of the Sacalaca community in José María Morelos county, is a shining example of the transformative power of education. Despite growing up in one of the most impoverished areas in José María Morelos, Ismael managed to earn a bachelor's degree in Language and Culture from the Intercultural Mayan University of Quintana Roo (UIMQROO). Today, he is one of the university's most respected professors. His journey highlights how higher education can dramatically change the lives of young people in the Mayan zone, even those with limited initial resources.

Ismael says, "The university changed my life. After high school, I had no means to study further. But when the Intercultural Mayan University opened, I was given the chance to pursue a degree, despite being 24. They provided me with tuition, computer equipment, and library access – resources I didn't have in my community." Today, Ismael serves as an inspiration for other young people facing similar challenges.

Ismael's education at UIMQROO has opened many doors for him. He has competed in numerous academic contests and achieved significant success. Recently, he secured a scholarship to pursue a Master's degree in Social Anthropology in Mexico City, starting in 2025. This accomplishment underscores his belief that indigenous youth can access educational and career opportunities that once seemed out of reach.

UIMQROO's impact extends beyond Ismael. The university has propelled many students towards ambitious goals. Ismael notes that UIMQROO alumni are now in doctoral programs, working overseas in countries like Canada and Belize, and studying at other prestigious Mexican institutions. "I've seen students from even tougher backgrounds than mine now thriving in significant roles, at other universities and on international research projects," he remarks.

To Ismael, the Intercultural Mayan University of Quintana Roo is more than just an educational institution. It's a transformative platform for the indigenous communities of José María Morelos and the state. "We set our own limits," he reflects. "UIMQROO has made a unique contribution to our communities."

Through success stories like Ismael Briseño Mukul's, UIMQROO continues to demonstrate its crucial role in the development of young people from the Mayan Zone. By offering educational opportunities, the university is building a brighter future for those who seek to rise above their circumstances through education.