How did the idea of studying the same degree together come about?

Mother: When I became pregnant with my first child I stopped my studies, and then I couldn't go back to them due to lack of time and resources. I always had the desire to go back to school and achieve my goal of becoming a professional. And now that my children are grown up, I have seen the opportunity to continue improving myself by learning new things; and when my daughter told me that she wanted to study the same career as me, I decided to support her too and we embarked on this challenge together.

Daughter: Yes, I have always loved the countryside and combining it with making products, and when my mother decided to study this career, I realised that it was also something I was passionate about and decided to join her.

What has your experience been like studying together?

Mother: It has been a very enriching experience. We have learned a lot from each other and have supported each other all the way. My daughter and I do not live together, she lives with her father and I live on a farm with my current partner and my other son, but we take the opportunity to see each other from Monday to Friday in classes and share as partners and mother and daughter at the same time.

Daughter: Yes, it has been a great opportunity to strengthen our relationship, to work together to achieve our goals. Also, I really like knowing that even though I have my mum in the same class as me, it doesn't stop me from being able to relate to other people, that is, she lets me be me, and share with my friends. What's more, she is more sociable and has more friends than me (laughs), and she has earned the respect and affection of all my classmates.

Mother: Yes, the truth is that I consider myself to be a very sociable person and I consider that I have no problem when it comes to making friends, I adapt to the circumstances and in this case to the ages. My classmates treat me with respect and affection, and even call me "Mami Nidia" (laughs).

What are the biggest challenges you have faced studying together?

Mother: The biggest challenge has been the age difference and the different ways of learning. Sometimes I need more time to understand things and my daughter learns faster, but she always supports me in overcoming these challenges. Also, the teachers, who are also younger than me, are very helpful when something is difficult for me in handing in my homework.

Daughter: It is true, it has also been a challenge to find time to study and balance our family and academic life. For example, I am the one who reminds my mum when homework is due, as her work sometimes doesn't give her the time to keep an eye on it.

What are your future plans after finishing your degree?

Mother: My plan is to continue learning and training in the field of agribusiness, and then to do a master's degree in agronomy, to become a university lecturer because I have a great vocation for teaching.

Daughter: I also want to continue learning and working in the field of agribusiness, start my own chocolate business, contribute to the development and growth of my community and my country.

What advice would you give to people who have postponed their studies?

Mother: Young people and adults alike: It's never too late to study! You can go back to school at any age, as long as you are willing and determined to finish what you started. Studying and preparing oneself is a sign of self-respect that we must be very clear about. It is a unique experience that strengthens personal development.

Daughter: The only ones responsible for what happens to us are ourselves, everything we want and we propose to do we can achieve, the limits are only in the mind. My advice to people who have postponed their studies, for whatever reason, is to always think about our future, about our growth as professionals and as people, and if you feel that you have something pending to do, do it, fulfil that dream, in the end no one will feel happier and more fulfilled than you.