12 years later, he tops UNI entrance exam after economic hardship

Christian Alexander Katz, 28, has turned a deferred dream into a testament of effort and resilience by securing first place in the Mathematics entrance exam for Peru's National University of Engineering (UNI), 12 years after economic difficulties forced him to halt his initial preparation.

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I was on a scholarship. I wasn't doing well financially and spoke with the director for support, which I greatly appreciate… Who would have thought I'd get first place? Honestly, I didn't believe it. I was very nervous. I didn't sleep much that week.

Katz recounted his journey in an exclusive interview, detailing a five-month intensive preparation period where he focused on identifying and reinforcing his weaker subjects. He benefited from a full scholarship at Academia Pedro Villena in San Juan de Lurigancho, attending classes from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM. "I was on a scholarship. I wasn't doing well financially and spoke with the director for support, which I greatly appreciate... Who would have thought I'd get first place? Honestly, I didn't believe it. I was very nervous. I didn't sleep much that week," Katz shared.

His decision to re-enter UNI was fueled by stories of perseverance and his own experience tutoring his cousin during the pandemic. Katz's mother supported the family by selling breakfast daily, a venture he joined to help with expenses, making his own education seem impossible. Witnessing the struggles of a former colleague, Jorge, who took over a year to grasp basic math concepts, prompted Katz to reflect. "I thought, 'How is it that he didn't give up and I did?' His story inspired me. It was very difficult for him, but he didn't give up," Katz explained.

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I thought, 'How is it that he didn't give up and I did?' His story inspired me. It was very difficult for him, but he didn't give up.

The final push came from teaching his cousin for UNI admission. Explaining math problems reignited his passion and confidence. Seeing his cousin gain admission to a prestigious university solidified Katz's resolve. "Why not try? That experience woke me up, and I told myself, 'Let's try.' At first, I wanted to take it easy, because so many years had passed and a UNI exam demands a much higher level than normal," he stated.

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Why not try? That experience woke me up, and I told myself, 'Let's try.' At first, I wanted to take it easy, because so many years had passed and a UNI exam demands a much higher level than normal.