In Zacatecas, Mexico’s Ana Victoria Espino de Santiago became the first person with Down syndrome to get a law degree. After 25 years of studying, she earned her degree from the Autonomous University of Zacatecas in July 2024. Despite facing many challenges in her schooling, Ana’s potential was seen by a dedicated professor who helped her get through them. Aside from her parents, she is one of only a few people with Down syndrome who has graduated from college.
Marysel de Santiago Ochoa and Jesus Espino Zapata had a girl named Ana Victoria on January 30, 1999. For safety reasons, she finished high school online before getting into the law program at Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas. Later, Ana had to deal with a school system that wasn’t ready to meet her specific needs. Despite the difficulties, her drive and the unwavering support of her professor, whom she calls her “shadow teacher,” helped her get through her legal studies.
Beyond her academic success, Ana has done many other great things. Prior to obtaining her law degree, she spoke out in support of the rights of disabled individuals and shared personal stories in a number of legislative settings. Beyond helping her learn more about the law, these chances also opened doors for her future plans.
Anna has also been involved in the arts since 2014, putting on a number of drawing shows. Among other places, the hall of the Congress of the Union in Mexico City was where she showed her collection called “Desde mi cielo.”
This amazing achievement sets a new standard for disabled students and challenges common ideas about her situation. Once she becomes a lawyer, she wants to fight discrimination and fight for freedom. Foreign companies have already started to offer her jobs, showing that their admiration for her skills and dedication spans the globe.