These days, the name of Jennifer García, a student at the Luis Urquiza Jorge Pre-University Vocational Institute of Exact Sciences (IPVCE in Spanish), shines brightly beyond our borders.

Las Tunas, Cuba.- At just 17 years of age, she recently won the silver medal at the Central American Chemistry Olympiad, held in Honduras, an achievement that places her among the best young talents in the region and is a source of pride for Cuba.

Her voice still betrays her excitement when she recalls those decisive moments. “It was an honor for me to participate in this event. I honestly didn't think I was going to go, and achieving it was a real accomplishment. I really enjoyed the test, both the theoretical and practical parts. Representing my country and meeting Olympians from other nations was a very nice experience,” she confesses.

The road to get here has not been easy. Her passion for chemistry began in high school, thanks to a friend who had previously competed in science competitions and who infected her with a curiosity for this science. “At first, I really liked physics, but she taught me how fascinating chemistry could be. Since ninth grade, I have dedicated myself to it, and to this day, I have loved it,” she explains.

That dedication, however, has required sacrifices. Entire days of study, training outside the province, and sometimes giving up leisure activities typical of her age. Jennifer takes it in stride: "Sometimes it's complicated because I'd like to do other things, but I know that this will help me in my future and in the career I want to pursue. I still find time to rest, watch my TV shows, read, or go out with my friends."

The support of her family has been key along the way. Her parents have accompanied her on every trip, every preparation, every step of this journey that is now bearing fruit. “The support has been tremendous, from the very beginning. They are always there for everything,” she says gratefully.

With her sights set on the future, Jennifer already knows where she is headed: in the middle of the newly started school year, she is preparing for twelfth grade, and after that, she has a clear idea of obtaining a place in the Pure Chemistry program at the University of Havana.
She sees herself there in a few years, working in a laboratory, calm and passionate about discovering and creating. “I will never regret it because I like chemistry and discovering new things,” she says with conviction.

The young woman from Las Tunas returns to her classroom with a silver medal on her chest and, above all, with the certainty that study, perseverance, and a love of science open up unexpected paths. Her story is also an invitation to dream, because from Las Tunas, from a Cuban classroom, it is possible to reach the international podium and show that the island's young talent continues to shine in the world.