From Classes to Campaigns: Mariana Soto’s Path in Global Learning and Politics

Meet Mariana Soto, a 15-year-old U.S. Dual Diploma scholar from Bogotá, Colombia. She’s passionate about politics and the arts, and she brings that energy to her program studies and her community. Learn how she’s gaining new skills and experiences that will help her pursue a future in law and diplomacy.

Hudson Global Scholar: Mariana Soto  

Hudson Global Scholars program: Catholic Virtual U.S. Dual Diploma Program 

Home: Colombia   

The Pull of Politics  

Fifteen-year-old Hudson Global Scholar Mariana has been interested in politics since the COVID-19 pandemic. She was searching for what to do and noticed the important work of local politicians. She realized that politics could be something she wanted to do with her life.  

But Mariana was not waiting for the future. She jumped into political participation both at school and in her local community.  

At her Colombian high school, Mariana has become actively involved in student government with plans to run for student president next year. Outside of school, she participates in the youth council in Colombia, which brings together young people from ages 14 to 28 to work with mayors and ensure that the youth voice is heard and represented. Mariana also works on the campaign for a presidential candidate in her country, learning from government organizations and meeting senators. “I feel like I’ve been learning a lot from them,” she says.  

Mariana is particularly inspired by women in politics. She explains that she appreciates “getting to know a lot of women who work in politics and letting them tell me their experience as a woman working in politics.” These conversations have offered key insights for a future female politician or diplomat.  

Academics, Independence, and Responsibility  

Mariana joined the Hudson Global Scholars U.S. Dual Diploma Program after exploring options to study abroad. “I thought it would be great to pursue a career in politics outside of my country. I saw the U.S. Dual Diploma, and I thought it was a great idea and a great opportunity to do so.” Her parents encouraged her from the beginning.  

Mariana’s courses reflect her varied interests, including Art Appreciation, Media and Communications, and Renewable Energy. “My favorite was Art Appreciation. When I had to do presentations, I would incorporate some of my drawings,” she shares. She enjoys drawing and painting as a hobby. Renewable Energy also captured her attention, as it connects to her interest in ecology and policy: “I’m really interested in incorporating that in my politics.” 

The U.S. Dual Diploma Program has strengthened Mariana’s independence and responsibility.

“I feel like this has improved my responsibility to work by myself without having somebody to police what I’m doing. It’s giving me the opportunity to show my responsibility and work really hard and learn different things that maybe I don’t learn in school,” she says.  

Also, if her busy campaigning schedule makes it hard to complete assignments, her teachers have contacted her to check in and offer support.

“The teachers have been really understanding and have helped me a lot in this process. It was new for me, but the teachers have made it a little bit easier.”  

She is also expanding her academic vocabulary in English: “I’ve learned some words that I didn’t know in renewable energy, even art. What has helped me most is English in specific parts of the different fields.” Her academic vocabulary has grown as she has explored her classes. “I think the program is great,” says Mariana.  

Club Connections  

Beyond her coursework, Mariana is an active participant in the Hudson Global Scholars Community, newly serving in the role of Student Ambassador. Her favorite activities include Culture Corner, where she can learn about other countries and engage in collaborative projects. “I really like to hear about my country and see other people’s countries. There’s a variety of countries, and I think it’s very fun,” she says.  

Balancing Goals and Growth 

With her school, political, and Hudson Global Scholars commitments, Mariana maintains a busy schedule. Even with the challenge of balancing it all, she reflects:

“Sometimes it’s hard, but I feel like I’ve done it successfully. I have good grades, and I feel like I can organize my time.”   

Mariana also balances her school and political responsibilities with volunteer work. She participates in Kerygma, a Catholic group at her school that visits under-resourced areas to help organize Masses and provide catechesis. “We go to different areas of our city that don’t have a lot of opportunities and try to help them.” 

A Scholar with Ambition 

Looking ahead, Mariana is considering universities abroad while continuing her political work.

“I would like to keep working in politics in my country. But I think studying abroad will bring a lot of opportunity,” she says. 

Through student government, youth councils, and her courses and clubs, Mariana is developing the knowledge, skills, and confidence to shape her future. The U.S. Dual Diploma Program is supporting her goals of growing as a leader and preparing for a global career in politics.