The family of young Colombian, Juan Camilo Díaz Ceballo, who trained as a doctor at the Latin American School of Medicine (ELAM) before becoming a specialist in pediatrics, expressed their sincere gratitude to the Cuban government and people.
His father, electrical engineer Edison Díaz González, told Granma International that his son learned of scholarships offered in Cuba through the Haydee Santa María Friends of Cuba Cultural Committee, based in the Colombian city of Palmira, Valle del Cauca Department.
At the age of 18, Juan traveled to Cuba. His parents supported him throughout his move from adolescence to adulthood from a distance, for more than ten years, until he successfully concluded his studies.
As his father explained, Juan’s family agreed with his decision to study in Cuba, and today their pride has erased the moments of sadness when he was far from home. The family attended his thesis defense, and was especially proud to witness him obtain a excellence honor in his specialty.
His mother, pedagogue Julieth Ceballo Moscoso, confessed to having suffered her son’s absence, but noted her certainty that he would receive a quality education on the island. Juan’s parents had always dreamed of visiting Cuba and learning more about its Revolution. After making several trips in recent years, they affirm that Juan gained much more than a university career here, as he also acquired human values and much-needed knowledge to help other people.
“I experienced a moment of joy when I witnessed his final exam of the Pediatrics specialty. In that classroom, my husband’s eyes and my own met and welled up with tears. We were impressed that our son was so confident on responding to the questions; and said everything with coherence, seriousness, and responsibility. We cried on recognizing a different person from the one who grew up among us. His professors told us they were sorry to see Juan Camilo leave. They recognize a great human being in him. We agree in stressing that this is due to the training he received in Cuba,” Julieth emphasized.
Meanwhile, Juan noted that he treasures many good memories of Cubans: “I will always be grateful to this people for opening their arms to me, for helping me in the most difficult moments. I am eternally grateful to Comandante en Jefe Fidel Castro, who made possible the existence of ELAM, and gave more than 27,000 young people the opportunity to train as health professionals. Wherever I am, I will defend the Cuban Revolution.”
He pointed out that the happiest moments during his years of study on the island were receiving his university diploma, and meeting his partner, María Victoria, a Uruguayan classmate.
Today, he is enthusiastic to undertake projects that can benefit not only his own country, but also other populations across the continent. “I have a commitment to ELAM and Fidel, I will bring health to the needy and helpless of the world, mainly in Latin America,” he stressed, noting his sadness on learning of the death of the historical leader of the Revolution, on November 25, 2016.
“I’m sure I will visit this island again. I will meet with the Cuban friends I made; I will come to exchange experiences with my teachers. I will never really leave this country,” he concluded.
