Esteban Santos 

Hometown: Bogota, Colombia

Batten graduation year: 2017

Undergraduate major: Public Policy and Leadership, minor in History

Extracurricular involvements:

Active member of PorColombia, a philanthropy that fundraises at UVA and donates to charities in Colombia; skydiving (I have been practicing the sport for four years and accumulated more than 650 jumps)

Which social or policy issues are you most invested in? 

In Colombia, the fight against poverty and the country’s security are related critical issues that I find very interesting and concerning. The internal conflict and illegal armed groups are an obstacle for Colombia’s development—they’re among the main causes of poverty and inequality.

How do you hope to advocate for and advance those passions post-Batten?

After I graduate, I plan to go back to Colombia and find a job where I can confront and engage the social issues that affect my country and implement what I learned at the Batten school. I am not entirely sure if I want to work in the private or public sector; I want to work in a place where I am constantly in contact with the community and its problems. Honestly, I can’t imagine myself working in the 10th floor of a bank.

Talk about an involvement or experience—internship, job, volunteer position or otherwise—that’s deeply shaped you.

After graduating from high school, I volunteered to join the Colombian Army to do my military service. It was undoubtedly the best experience I’ve had, where I learned the importance of discipline, teamwork and courage. In the Army I had the opportunity to meet people from different parts of Colombia and witness firsthand the difficult conditions most of my countrymen live in.

What brought you to Batten?

The fact that the program offers a diverse curriculum made to confront the current issues of society and prepare exceptional leaders. The first time I heard about the school was when I was a first year at UVA. I saw a banner outside Garret Hall that said “Make a Difference,” which caught my attention. Then I decided to investigate and found out it was a Public Policy and Leadership school.

What kind of public servant do you think the world needs today?

An honest, committed and responsible person who puts the needs of others before their own.

Talk about your life and interests outside of school.

I’ve worked on several political campaigns in Colombia and traveled extensively within my country. Skydiving is my favorite hobby, which I practice on a regular basis.