“UoPeople Enriched My Learning Through a Global Peer Community,” Says Benjamin L., an MSIT Student

Originally from Mexico and now based in Texas, United States, Benjamin L. is currently pursuing his Master’s degree in Information Technology at University of the People. He previously completed his Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science at UoPeople.

Benjamin’s journey to higher ed has been shaped by perseverance, discipline, and an unwavering belief in the power of education. “I grew up in Mexico in a community where access to education was not always guaranteed. Limited infrastructure, scarce resources, and safety concerns made attending school difficult. As a child, I often had to walk long distances each day to reach the nearest public school. Despite these challenges, I remained determined to pursue my education,” he shares.

His dedication paid off when he eventually completed his first university degree — a Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting. But shortly after graduating, Benjamin faced one of the most difficult decisions of his life. Owing to personal threats in his home country, he was forced to leave his family and seek protection in the United States.

Starting over in a new country brought a new set of challenges. Like many immigrants, Benjamin faced language barriers, cultural adjustments, and a complex job market. Determined to move forward, he used his personal savings to enroll in a community college, where he spent two years studying English and completing college credit courses. However, the high cost of tuition and limited financial aid options eventually forced him to pause his academic plans.

Years later, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Benjamin came across UoPeople. “The tuition-free model immediately caught my attention, as it aligned perfectly with my long-standing dream of earning a degree from an accredited U.S. university. After researching UoPeople, I realized that the university’s flexible, fully online format could finally make my educational goals possible.”

Benjamin enrolled in the Computer Science program in 2022 and completed his degree in 2024. Shortly afterward, he applied to continue his studies with an MSIT, which he is now set to complete in the coming weeks.

Part of Benjamin’s academic journey included transferring credits from his previous studies in Mexico. “Because I had already completed a credential evaluation through Foreign Credentials Services of America (FCSA), the process was smooth. I accelerated my progress by completing additional courses through Sophia Learning. It helped me build on my previous academic work and shortened the time needed to earn my degree.”

For Benjamin, one of the most valuable aspects of studying at UoPeople has been the program’s flexibility. The eight-week terms and self-paced structure helped him develop strong discipline and time-management skills while balancing work and family life. He also values the collaborative learning environment, which allows students from around the world to share ideas and perspectives.

“Studying at UoPeople has strengthened my responsibility, discipline, and organization. It has also connected me with a global learning community that enriches the entire experience.”

Today, Benjamin balances his studies with a part-time role at a technology company while maintaining a structured routine that includes exercise, healthy habits, and focused study time. He credits his family’s support and his own determination for helping him stay committed to his goals.

In the longer term, he hopes to pursue a Ph.D. at an international university and build a career as a university instructor and author.

Outside of work and study, Benjamin enjoys setting and organizing his personal and professional goals. He believes that success is not built on luck but on consistent effort and a clear vision.

“I believe the future is built intentionally in the present,” he says. “Block by block, through discipline, consistency, and a structured plan.”

Through every stage of his journey, Benjamin has remained committed to one belief: that perseverance can turn even the most difficult circumstances into opportunities for growth. He hopes his story will encourage others who feel their dreams are out of reach.

“With determination and clear goals,” Benjamin says, “what once seems impossible can become possible.”

We feel immensely proud of Benjamin’s journey and wish him all the best as he pursues everything he wants to achieve in life.